Improved cognitive function, mood and brain blood flow in single photon emission computed tomography following individual reminiscence therapy in an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

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.

Reminiscence therapy for older adults with Alzheimer's disease: A literature review

“…Some research has focused on the change reminiscence therapy may have on older adults who experience dementia (Brooker & Duce, ; Kunz, ; Shik et al, ; Tadaka & Kanagawa, ; Tanaka et al, ). The centre of interest is on two main advantages of reminiscence therapy for older persons: ameliorate cognitive function and produce better quality of life, that centre on improved emotions and enhanced happiness/mood (Okumura et al, ; Wang, ).…”

“…Thus, it was assumed that continuing this intervention for a certain period of time might be essential to sustain its positive effects on older adults. Additionally, Tanaka et al () reported evidence of physiological improvement in cognitive function of a patient with Alzheimer's disease after individual reminiscence therapy. This was demonstrated with the use of a single‐photon emission computed tomography that exhibits a greater blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain (Tanaka et al, ).…”

“…Additionally, Tanaka et al () reported evidence of physiological improvement in cognitive function of a patient with Alzheimer's disease after individual reminiscence therapy. This was demonstrated with the use of a single‐photon emission computed tomography that exhibits a greater blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain (Tanaka et al, ). These findings coincide with positive changes in the evaluation of the behavioural traits of the older adult with Alzheimer's.…”

Cognitive Interventions in Older Persons: Do They Change the Functioning of the Brain?

“…One study was a single case design on the effect of eight weekly reminiscence sessions on activities of daily living, cognition, volition, vitality, behavioural problems, well-being, caregiver burden, and PET data. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was also administered six months after intervention [ 35 ]. The other study provided 11 VaD patients with recreational rehabilitation.…”

A Systematic Review of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Older Adults with Mild to Moderate Dementia: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

“…One plausible explanation might be that cognitive stimulation mediates neurodegeneration and facilitates neuroplasticity. A recent study on individuals with mild to moderate dementia found that reminiscence therapy improves blood flow in the brain, particularly the frontal lobe (Tanaka et al, ). A similar effect may be observed following person‐centred, integrative cognitive stimulation approaches.…”