Electronic interventions aimed at increasing self-worth in mild dementia may not be feasible

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a devastating diagnosis. Milieu therapy and memory activities have been shown to improve self-worth and improve mood in AD patients, but adherence to these activities is challenging. This prospective randomized pilot study examined adherence to memory recall activities using positive reinforcement and explored the impact on self-worth and depression. Pretest-posttest scores and data abstraction were used to measure protocol adherence, self-worth (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), cognitive decline (Mini-Mental Status Examination), and symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale). Among 22 mild AD participants, there were no statistically significant differences in pretest versus posttest scores for all measures. The results suggest that the intervention of memory recall did not enhance self-worth, improve the status of memory recall, or lower symptoms of depression. Additionally, positive reinforcement did not play a role in adherence to accessing the tasks.