[Efficiency of specific neuropsychological and clinical-psychological interventions in old age]

Most of the time, the effect of neuropsychological and clinical-psychological interventions for older people with cognitive deficits compared with the medical treatment is underestimated. Most times the effect of neuropsychological and clinical-psychological interventions in old aged people with cognitive deficits is seen lower than those of medical treatment. The aim of the present paper is to point out the possibilities and scope of those nonpharmacologic interventions by discussing new literature. All interventions have to be based on a specific geriatric assessment including neuropsychological testing, which defines the structure of the treatment. In the progress of dementia all interventions have to be changed from training of cognitive functions to social and emotional aspects. A combination with physical activities seems to be more effective. From this point of view psychological interventions can be seen as effective as medical treatment and have to be combined with them but further research has to be done.