Effects of different learning methods for instrumental activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer's dementia: a pilot study.

We examined whether errorless learning (EL) and learning by modeling (LM) were more advantageous than trial and error learning (TEL) in the acquisition of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) patients (n = 14). Using a counterbalanced within-subject design, participants performed 3 learning conditions. EL consisted of straightforward prompts before any action, LM focused on the modeling of each step of the tasks and standard TEL without cues was used as a control condition.

Non-pharmacological management of behavioural symptoms in nursing homes.

Background: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are often reported in institutions for the elderly.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a staff education intervention to manage BPSD in older people with a diagnosis of dementia.

Methods: The trial was conducted in 16 nursing homes; 306 patients with a diagnosis of dementia and presenting BPSD were selected.