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Computer Activities Help Alzheimer's Patients
Computer Activities Help Alzheimer's Patients
Monday, October 23, 2006
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Computer-based tasks aimed at increasing mental activity can improve cognition in patients
with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study in which the University of Pittsburgh School
of Medicine was a participant.
Researchers found that the internet-accessible computer activities were even more successful
than classic exercises of mental stimulation commonly used with dementia patients. The
findings, from the Fundacio ACE, Institut Catala de Neurociencies Aplicades in Barcelona,
Spain, and the University of Pittsburgh School, are published in the October issue of the
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
"The interactive multimedia internet-based system, in combination with the standard
pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease, provides for better cognitive function in
these patients, demonstrating that they are capable of benefiting from cognitive stimulation,
even after the disease has advanced," said Mr. Lluis Tarraga, lead investigator of the study.
"This study shows that tasks aimed at increasing or maintaining mental function have a place
in treating Alzheimer's alongside pharmacotherapy," said Dr. Oscar Lopez, professor of
neurology at Pitt and a co-author on the study.
The study, conducted at an adult day-care center and referral clinic for community-dwelling
persons with dementia in Barcelona, enrolled 46 people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease. All were being treated with common drugs for Alzheimer's for at least one year prior to
enrolling in the study; all participants remained on the drug for the duration of the study.
Patients who received both traditional mental stimulation techniques plus the internet-based
activities showed the most improvement.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Computer-based tasks aimed at increasing mental activity can improve cognition in patients
with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study in which the University of Pittsburgh School
of Medicine was a participant.
Researchers found that the internet-accessible computer activities were even more successful
than classic exercises of mental stimulation commonly used with dementia patients. The
findings, from the Fundacio ACE, Institut Catala de Neurociencies Aplicades in Barcelona,
Spain, and the University of Pittsburgh School, are published in the October issue of the
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
"The interactive multimedia internet-based system, in combination with the standard
pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease, provides for better cognitive function in
these patients, demonstrating that they are capable of benefiting from cognitive stimulation,
even after the disease has advanced," said Mr. Lluis Tarraga, lead investigator of the study.
"This study shows that tasks aimed at increasing or maintaining mental function have a place
in treating Alzheimer's alongside pharmacotherapy," said Dr. Oscar Lopez, professor of
neurology at Pitt and a co-author on the study.
The study, conducted at an adult day-care center and referral clinic for community-dwelling
persons with dementia in Barcelona, enrolled 46 people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease. All were being treated with common drugs for Alzheimer's for at least one year prior to
enrolling in the study; all participants remained on the drug for the duration of the study.
Patients who received both traditional mental stimulation techniques plus the internet-based
activities showed the most improvement.