The Effects of Prospective Memory Intervention on Language Ability and Activities of Daily Living in the Elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Objectives: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by an early decline in memory and cognitive functions, leading to impairments in language abilities and difficulties in communication as the disease progresses. Therefore, the need for early diagnosis and intervention in AD is considered critical; and maintaining and improving Prospective Memory (PM) is reported to aid in enhancing complex cognitive functions. This study aimed to explore the changes observed before and after PM intervention using External Memory Aids (EMA) in elderly individuals with AD.Methods: This study was conducted with 7 elderly individuals with mild AD, over three weeks with 12 sessions, four times a week. The intervention was based on a protocol consisting of three stages using the Prospective Memory Task (PMT) developed for this research: 1) reading texts, 2) answering wh-questions, and 3) utilizing EMA.Results: Significant improvements were showed after the intervention in performance of intervention and non-intervention PMT, immediate recall of words and story, naming, and K-MMSE, indicating the generalized effects of the intervention. However, there were no significant improvements in delayed recall, verb fluency and Activities of Daily Living.Conclusion: The use of EMA in PM intervention appeared to positively impact the language abilities and overall cognitive functions of elderly AD patients, suggesting that the activated PM through the intervention could lead to improvements in general cognitive functions.