Results
Within G1 patients (n = 43) an improvement was found in patient's basic (-1.55;p0.04) and instrumental (-1.63;p0.007) activities of daily living (ADL) scores, subjective memory measures (13.36;p0.02) and in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (7.73;p0.03).
A comparative study about the effectiveness of a cognitive training program in patients with cognitive impairment secondary to acquired brain damage and neurodegenerative disease
 
  Keywords
 
 
  
   Alzheimer
  
 
 
  
   Stroke
  
 
 
  
   Mild Cognitive Impairment
  
 
 
  
   Cognitive Stimulation
  
 
 
  
   Traumatic brain injury
  
 
 
  
   Cognitive Rehabilitation
  
 
Abstract
 Background Introduction
In recent years, an increasing number of studies published assessing the effectiveness of CT programs in patients with ABD have shown that these therapies may have beneﬁcial effects on cognitive and functional measures.
On the other hand, the efficacy of these type of treatment in patients with ND is still under debate.
Objective
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a Cognitive Training (CT) program in patients with Acquired Brain Damage (ABD) and neurodegenerative diseases (ND).
Design/Methods
144 patients were assessed with neuropsychological, neurological, neuropsychiatry and functional assessments.
The sample was divided in three groups: ABD (G1), ND (G2) and mixed disorders (G3).
G1 included mainly patients with Traumatic Brain injury and Stroke.
G2 included patients with <dis>degenerative dementias</dis> and <dis>mild cognitive impairment</dis>.
Groups were matched for age, education and number of CT sessions.
The effects on cognition, behavioral, functional and quality of life (QOL) were considered as the primary outcome measures, and evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the CT program.
Results
Within G1 patients (n = 43) an improvement was found in patient's basic (-1.55;p0.04) and instrumental (-1.63;p0.007) activities of daily living (ADL) scores, subjective memory measures (13.36;p0.02) and in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (7.73;p0.03).
In G2 (n = 34) an improving trend was found in instrumental ADL (-1.3;p0.08) and in some aspects of QOL (-1.59;p0.06).
No significant differences were observed within G3 patients (n = 12).
Conclusions
These results suggest that persons with ABD and neurodegenerative disease may improve some cognitive, behavioral, functional and QOL measures following a CT program.
CT shows greater benefit for ABD patients.
Abstract
 Background Introduction
In recent years, an increasing number of studies published assessing the effectiveness of CT programs in patients with ABD have shown that these therapies may have beneﬁcial effects on cognitive and functional measures.
On the other hand, the efficacy of these type of treatment in patients with ND is still under debate.
Objective
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a Cognitive Training (CT) program in patients with Acquired Brain Damage (ABD) and neurodegenerative diseases (ND).
Design/Methods
144 patients were assessed with neuropsychological, neurological, neuropsychiatry and functional assessments.
The sample was divided in three groups: ABD (G1), ND (G2) and mixed disorders (G3).
G1 included mainly patients with Traumatic Brain injury and Stroke.
G2 included patients with degenerative dementias and mild cognitive impairment.
Groups were matched for age, education and number of CT sessions.
The effects on cognition, behavioral, functional and quality of life (QOL) were considered as the primary outcome measures, and evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the CT program.
Results
Within G1 patients (n = 43) an improvement was found in patient's basic (-1.55;p0.04) and instrumental (-1.63;p0.007) activities of daily living (ADL) scores, subjective memory measures (13.36;p0.02) and in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (7.73;p0.03).
In G2 (n = 34) an improving trend was found in instrumental ADL (-1.3;p0.08) and in some aspects of QOL (-1.59;p0.06).
No significant differences were observed within G3 patients (n = 12).
Conclusions
These results suggest that persons with ABD and neurodegenerative disease may improve some cognitive, behavioral, functional and QOL measures following a CT program.
CT shows greater benefit for ABD patients.
Results
Within G1 patients (n = 43) an improvement was found in patient's basic (-1.55;p0.04) and instrumental (-1.63;p0.007) activities of daily living (ADL) scores, subjective memory measures (13.36;p0.02) and in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (7.73;p0.03).