Role of non-pharmacological cognition building techniques in delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease: A matter of blood-brain barrier dysfunction

Abstract

Cognitive rehabilitation treatments for Alzheimer's disease and early-stage dementia are increasingly accessible to older adults and aim to slow the progressive decline in functional performance and cognitive abilities associated with ageing. Alzheimer's disease may involve disruption of affected brain systems, impaired self-awareness, general difficulties performing daily activities, reduced motivation, despondency and lethargy. These symptoms may result directly from the disease or may be associated with depressive episodes. Cognitive rehabilitation exercise programmes are labour-intensive and rely heavily on repetition to reinforce memory, particularly because patients must repeatedly confront their memory impairments and the consequences associated with them. Therefore, patients must be adequately committed and motivated both to begin a rehabilitation programme and to remain engaged throughout the intervention. Achieving an appropriate treatment dosage is also essential for cognitive rehabilitation techniques to be effective. This review investigated the efficacy and effects of cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation interventions in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. The aim of the current study was to improve memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning in individuals with early-stage dementia and Alzheimer's disease.