Case Study - Early Alzheimers

Running Head: EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Case Study of Early Onset Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type

by

Nico Mulder, Ph.D

Faculty of Behavioral Sciences,
Y University

for

Biological, Developmental & Scientific Basis of Behavior
February 26, 2012

Abstract
This paper reviews the use of cognitive rehabilitation treatment of early stage of dementia Alzheimer’s type. The case study examines a 72 year old male patient diagnosed with early stage dementia of Alzheimer’s Type. This study used visual imagery, as well as cues and expanding rehearsal during the cognitive rehabilitation. The evaluation of cognitive rehabilitation treatment included the psychological, physiological, neurological assessments and self-reports. Results suggested that extended use of cognitive rehabilitation treatment ensued longer lasting improved cognitive functioning. With the results of the study discussed, implications suggest that combining longer treatment of cognitive rehabilitation could help reduce the progression of early onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type.

Case Study
Clare, Wilson, Carter, Hodges, and Adams (2001) studied a 74-year old single man, named “VJ” who lived with his sister in a single case study. VJ was formerly employed in the construction industry. VJ started to attend the memory clinic in 1993. He was then diagnosed having an early stage of dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT). His sister joined him at the clinic. The researchers started with a process called, cognitive rehabilitation (CR) intervention.
Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) focuses on memory functioning. Although CR was at first developed for patients with traumatic brain injuries, it was proven to be efficient for people experiencing cognitive difficulties (Savage, 2009, p. 31). In order to define CR, it is necessary to define cognition. Katz and Hadas (1995) quote Lidz in defining cognition, “…as the individual's capacity to acquire and use information to adapt to environmental demands”

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