Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Examining the Characteristics of Episodic Memory using Event-related Potentials in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: August 30, 2011
Description of retained abilities in older persons with dementia
Abstract:
There have been suggestions in the literature that the care of people with dementia must be focused on abilities as opposed to disabilities. However, this approach has not been carefully defined in terms of what constitutes remaining abilities. This article provides a description of the abilities in people with dementia, which is based on a descriptive analysis of data derived from a larger study regarding the psychometric evaluation of an abilities assessment instrument. The sample comprised 112 male veterans with dementia who were living in a long-term care facility. Their mean age was 75 years. Data were collected in the areas of self-care, social, interactional, and interpretive abilities. Abilities were retained in all four areas. Furthermore, abilities were differently affected and varied considerably across subjects, which is consistent with evidence pertaining to cognitive changes in dementia. Our results provide support for an individualized, abilities-focused approach to the care of people with dementia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Interference and Decay
Interference occurs when competing memories hinder the retrieval of particular information. It can be classified into two types: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive...
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Dementia l: Introduction

