engleski

The potencial use of mental maps for people with Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and many different aspects of disease may be approached by mental maps. Mental maps provide a schematic display information through words, sentences, symbolic icon or drawings that have certain meaning. In the middle of map is a keyword or topic, and around radially are branching other information and ideas. All these pieces are interconnected graphically, semantic and form one whole. The mental maps may be applied: 1) for early diagnosis of AD (mental maps about getting around — spatial orientation ; 2) as part of cognitive training and what to do diagram for people with dementia (PWD) in early stage of disease ; 3) as a tool for psychoeducation of students, other medical and non-medical professionals ; 4) for psychoeducation of family members/informal care givers ; 5) for problem solving situations (e.g. what to do when certain behavioural and psychiatric symptoms occur) and decision making process. Mental maps may have role in early diagnosis, rehabilitation and making/carrying on with treatment plan for PWD. It is valuable graphic technique that may improve learning and coping strategies for care givers of PWD, as well as enhance performance of care givers and professionals together, through the improvement of understanding the Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer's disease, dementia, mental maps

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