ABSTRACT

Objective : The aim of this study was to identify the effects of spaced retrieval training (SRT) and errorless learning training (ELT) on the cognitive change and depression level in dementia sufferers. Methods : SRT and ELT were applied to thirty-one dementia patients between September 2009 through November 2010. The SRT and ELT were applied to inpatients of Daejeon and K-city hospital in Chungnam five times a week for a four-week period. To assess the changes in cognitive function, we performed the Korean version of the CERAD neuropsychological battery, and assessed the depression symptoms using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K). Results : The effects of depression and its cognition improved after SRT and ELT were applied. After the interventions, patients with vascular and mild dementia showed greater declines in depression scores than those with Alzheimer's and moderate dementia. Conclusion : After the interventions, patients with vascular and mild dementia showed greater declines in depression scores than those with Alzheimer's and moderate dementia.