Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: A systematic review of evidence for the efficacy of environment-based interventions on the affect, behavior, and performance of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias was conducted as part of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Literature Review Project. Thirty-three reports met inclusion criteria. Results suggest that ambient music, aromatherapy, and Snoezelen® are modestly effective in reducing agitation but do not consistently have long-term effects. Visually complex environments that give the illusion of barriers deter people from wandering to unsafe places but do not reduce the urge to wander. Evidence that bright light therapy can aid in regulating mood and the sleep–wake cycle and thus help people remain awake during the day is preliminary. Montessori-based programming can be useful in matching activities to the person’s remaining skills. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effect, contraindications, and best dosages of these interventions.

Language: English

DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2011.002600

ISSN: 0272-9490, 1943-7676

Abstract/Notes: Montessori materials were used in two adult day-care centers to slow cognitive decline in adults with Alzheimer's disease. Using a within-subject design, participants in one adult day care received three months of the Montessori materials, then standard intervention later. Participants were administered a battery of cognitive measures at baseline, three months, and six months. Favorable scores for the Montessori condition were significant with the subscales of the Ordinal Scale of Psychological Development-Modified (total, object permanence, means-ends), Dementia Rating Scale (total, attention, concept, memory), Parachek Geriatric Behavior Rating Scale (social behavior), and the Wechsler Memory Scale (digit forward). Montessori materials appeared instrumental in positively influencing basic cognitive abilities of attention, object permanence, and social behavior.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/J148v20n03_02

ISSN: 0270-3181

Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori was a precursor of the human rights for children movement. From her work in medicine, psychiatry, hygiene, pedagogy, and anthropology she devised teaching methods that can be used at both ends of the age spectrum. Her philosophy is inherently respectful of the individual; her terminology sheds a positive and analytical perspective on Alzheimer behaviors. Montessori claimed that play was the child's work. For the Alzheimer patient, work has become play. When skills used in former roles are performed, however slowly and imperfectly the person with Alzheimer's is riveted and reassured Activities that merely resemble useful work increase concentration. Sweeping, washing, andkitchen tasks stirmuscle memory andsense ofworth. This paper will review Montessori principles andpractices and suggest many applications to cognitively-impaired elders. While some suggestions are more easily carried out when patients are getting daily care at home, others may be incorporated into adult day care and institutional programs.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/153331759701200307

ISSN: 1082-5207, 2162-9986

Abstract/Notes: Alzheimer day-care clients received three months of Mon-tessori type activities and three months of routine activities, in a within-subjects design. The effects of the two conditions were compared using changes in clients' scores on 22 cognitive measures. From this, a measure of performance after the Montessori activities, compared to after routine activities (Montessori Benefit Score), was calculated for each subject and a distribution of subject scores was generated. Using a resampling statistic, the mean Montessori Benefit Score was compared to one obtained under a null hypothesis that no difference existed in performance between routine and Montessori conditions. The observed mean Montessori Benefit Score (m = 7.4) fell outside the 95% confidence interval for the means based on the null hypothesis, indicating that Montessori materials benefit the Alzheimer's clients in this study.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1300/J016v24n03_01

ISSN: 0192-4788

Language: English

Language: Italian

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English