“The Case of the Disheartened Driver”

Targeted Memory Program Results – Case Study 06005BFG

Case Review:
This client was a 79 year old female living alone in her private home. Her spouse died over 10 years ago and her son recently noticed that his previously very active mother, had become distant and sullen. She was self isolating and refusing to drive herself to her many social commitments. The client had previously attended art class weekly, went to the local senior center 2-3 times per week, attended church services and went out with friends during the week as well. Her son reported that his mother was now calling him constantly to check on appointment dates, and ask for rides to the grocery store etc…

The Journey Begins

The first session:
The client was very high functioning and independent, however, her short term memory was extremely impaired and her self esteem and confidence were injured by her memory loss.

>During our initial visit, the client behaved in a very nervous way. She apologized often for perceived mistakes and made excuses for the multiple calendars and sticky notes covering her walls, counters, cupboards and doors.
At the beginning of the program, the client stated that her goals were to “do better” but she would not elaborate on what that meant to her.

“After 4 weeks”:
The client’s confidence was clearly improving as evidenced by statements that she made about wanting to start painting again, however, she was very resistant to making any changes to her calendars, notes or address books. She told her Partner not to touch her notes or calendars or – “I will be lost.”

By the 8th week:
The Partner re-approached the idea of organizing the client’s calendars – explaining that they would proceed slowly and she assured the client that she would be there to help and support her through the entire process. They took 5 sessions to carefully find a system that the client was comfortable with and could utilize easily.

At 10 weeks, the client began driving with her Partner to her art classes, senior center and the local grocery store. The Partner described the client’s driving habits as cautious but confident. The client was relieved that she felt confident enough to resume driving and gain back her independence.

A t the end of her first 12 weeks of PTM, the client’s self esteem and confidence had clearly returned. She had resumed driving to all of her social functions and asked her Partner to help her find a local community organization where she could volunteer some time. She was back to managing her own appointments and social calendar and had organized her kitchen area to one calendar and one address book – all stored neatly away.

Initial MMSE score: 27 Concluding MMSE score: 30
Increase of 10%

Initial 7 minute screen score: 22 Concluding 7 minute screen score: 65
Increase of 60%

The Journey Continues

The client’s son stated that he could not believe how quickly the program was able to help his mother. We reported that she wanted to continue the program and he enthusiastically agreed.

The client is currently volunteering in the gift shop of a local hospital.

Pathways to Memory™ is a memory enhancing program targeted to restore cognitive abilities, skills, and independence for those who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory impairing illnesses.

Contact us for more information about Pathways to Memory™ or to locate a Pathways provider in your area.

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