Remédiation de la reconnaissance des émotions faciales dans la maladie d’Alzheimer et effets sur les stratégies d’observation, les troubles du comportement et le fardeau de l’aidant

BACKGROUND: Facial emotion recognition (FER) is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is linked to atypical visual scanning. This causes behavioral disorders (BD) and an increased family caregiver burden. OBJECTIVES: To measure the effects of FER rehabilitation and the impact on visual scanning, BD and caregiver burden. METHODS: Eight AD subjects were divided into two groups: FER rehabilitation vs cognitive stimulation. FER, BD, eye movements and caregiver burden were assessed before, after, and one month post-treatment. RESULTS: There was an 11% improvement in REF performances (with a significant increase for fear and sadness) in the rehabilitation group and a 2% decrease in the control group. These results were linked to alterations in visual scanning patterns, a decrease in BD and caregiver burden, with maintenance of these effects. CONCLUSION: This new approach in AD can be considered in order to improve patient and caregiver quality of life.