Procedural Memory and Emotional Attachment in Alzheimer Disease: Implications for Meaningful and Engaging Activities

Summary

PERAT fills a void in activity therapy and can be employed with adults with AD who adhere to a religious tradition. Although it may not be appropriate for everyone, it can be an effective approach to providing meaningful, calming, and engaging activities for adults with neuropsychological impairment. Caregivers, both formal and informal, can use this simple and easy approach to improve quality of life for patients while decreasing agitation and increasing caregiving respites. Additional study, particularly qualitative research, is needed to provide published examples of activities undertaken by adults representing different religious traditions. Using the principles of PERAT, additional study also is encouraged to examine how this approach can be employed for those who do not have religious traditions, yet have other meaningful activities. As the number of adults with AD increases, PERAT can be an effective tool to help nurses and other health professionals provide care and comfort to their patients.

J Neurosci Nurs. 2008;40(2):96-102. © 2008  American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

Cite this: Procedural Memory and Emotional Attachment in Alzheimer Disease: Implications for Meaningful and Engaging Activities - Medscape - Apr 01, 2008.