Self-maintenance therapy in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

A short-term residential treatment programme designed to prepare patients with dementia and caregivers for life with a progressive disease was evaluated in a one group pretest–posttest design. The multicomponent programme included: (1) intensive rehabilitation for patients, based on the concept of Self-Maintenance Therapy, and (2) an intervention programme for caregivers. The results showed a consistent improvement in patients' depression and in other psychopathological symptoms, which can be seen as directly beneficial for patients. Following treatment, caregivers also felt less depressed, less mentally fatigued and restless, and more relaxed. Controlled studies are needed to support the preliminary results presented and to address hypotheses about factors responsible for benefits as well as for treatment resistance. The concept of Self-Maintenance Therapy allowed the prediction that experiences that are in accordance with patients' self-structures and processes support patients' well-being, reduce psychopathological symptoms, and facilitate social participation.