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The effect of errorless learning on psychotic and affective symptoms, as well as aggression and apathy in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome in long-term care facilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 June 2018

Yvonne C. M. Rensen ,
Jos I. M. Egger ,
Josette Westhoff ,
Serge J. W. Walvoort  and
Roy P.C. Kessels
Yvonne C. M. Rensen*
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
Jos I. M. Egger
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Josette Westhoff
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
Serge J. W. Walvoort
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
Roy P.C. Kessels
Affiliation:
Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands Department of Medical Psychology & Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Y. C. M. Rensen, PhD, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Center of Excellence for Korsakoff and alcohol related cognitive disorders, PO Box 5 5800 AA, Venray, the Netherlands. Email: yrensen@vvgi.nl.
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Abstract

Objectives:

Errorless learning is a promising rehabilitation principle for learning tasks in patients with amnesia, including patients with Korsakoff's syndrome. Errorless learning might possibly also contribute to decreases in behavioral and psychiatric problems, as patients in long-term care facilities become more independent after training. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of errorless learning on potential changes in psychotic and affective symptoms, aggression and apathy, in contrast with a control group who received care as usual.

Methods:

The current study is a quasi-experimental study on errorless learning and psychotic and affective symptoms, aggression, and apathy in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, living in long-term care facilities for patients with Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) in the Netherlands. The GIP-28, HoNOS−ABI, and NVCL−20 were administered to a group of patients with KS who received errorless learning training (n = 51) and a patient control group who received care as usual (n = 31). Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests were performed to examine psychotic and affective symptoms, aggression, and apathy at baseline and at follow-up in the errorless learning group and the control group.

Results:

Errorless learning training effectively reduced psychotic symptoms (including provoked confabulations), affective symptoms, and agitation/aggression. There were no significant changes (increases nor decreases) in the control group. Levels of apathy were stable over time in both groups.

Conclusions:

Results with respect to psychotic and affective symptoms, aggression, and apathy are discussed in depth. Patients with KS can become more autonomous in a cared for setting using errorless learning principles. This might also result in decreases in behavioral and psychiatric problems in patients.

Keywords

Korsakoff's syndromeerrorless learningaffectdepressionapathypsychoticaggression
Type
Original Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 31 , Issue 1: Issue Theme: Parkinson's Disease , January 2019 , pp. 39 - 47
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2018 

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