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An 88-year-old man who was suffering from chronic renal failure and hypertension visited our memory clinic because of recent cognitive decline and a gradual decrease in his vitality and volition. His Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 22, his 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) score was 10, and his Vitality Index (VI; full score, 10) was 6. We diagnosed Alzheimer's disease with depressive mood, and this was supported by findings of global brain atrophy by magnetic resonance imaging and decrease in brain blood flow in the posterior cingulated gyrus and frontal association area by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). After completion of a life review of the patient, individual reminiscence therapy was performed once a week for 2 months. After the therapy, a comprehensive geriatric assessment showed that cognitive function, depressive mood and decreased vitality had all markedly improved (MMSE, 29; GDS,7; VI, 9). Moreover, SPECT showed improved brain blood flow, especially in the frontal lobe. We believe that this is the first case in which reminiscence therapy alone not only improved cognitive function and mood but also reduced neuroimaging abnormalities.

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