Acceptance of memory impairment and satisfaction with life in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

• Published in: Nihon Rōnen Igakkai zasshi Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 534 - 541
• Main Authors: Morioka, Mizuho, Tanaka, Makoto, Matsubayashi, Kozo, Kita, Toru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan The Japan Geriatrics Society 2004
• Subjects: Acceptance of memory impairment; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease - psychology; Alzheimer's disease; Behavior; Female; Humans; Individual care; Life; Life satisfaction; Male; Memory Disorders - psychology; Personal Satisfaction; Quality of Life
• ISSN: 0300-9173
• DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.41.534

In this study, we focused on acceptance of memory impairment and satisfaction with life in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). We interviewed 71 consecutive patients with AD and asked (1) whether they had memory loss, (2) whether they found trouble in life, and (3) how their daily life was. We categorized the patients into three groups based on awareness of memory loss and reference to the cause of memory loss. Cognitive functions were lower in patients who were not aware of memory loss. The rate of satisfaction with life was the highest in patients who were not aware of memory loss, and was the lowest in patients who complained of memory loss with reference to the cause of memory loss, indicating that patients could hardly accept their lives when memory impairment was a serious issue. However, in these patients, depression scores were not high, suggesting that they may somehow adapt themselves to their current status by defining the reason for memory loss. In patients who complained of memory impairment but did not refer to the cause of memory loss, there was a variation in awareness of memory loss and satisfaction with life. The present study indicated that we have to provide individual care and support for AD patients considering their level of acceptance of memory impairment.