ABSTRACT=บทคัดย่อ
This pilot study identified the feasibility and efficacy of the effect of combining healing touch and talk cortices on the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both HT and BTC elicit the relaxation response and support cognitive function from two different perspectives. A two-group repeated measures design was used. subject (n=22), 65 or older with early stage (less than four) AD, residing in the community or in care agencies (n=20) were assigned to either the HT-BTC group (n=12) or the control group randomized by residence. the usual medical regimen for all subjects was continued. the control group had no additional interventions Both group were assessed ataselineand ethnicity, nor on the outcome variables (cognitive function, mood, & depression). Adherence 76% to the BTC protocol, the major feasibility problem, related to memory deficits. Significant interactionc occurred regarding cognitive function and mood. Significant improvement group whicth is not the usual course (p=.001), and depression (p=.028) were observed in the trestment group which is not the usual course of AD. A decline in cognitive function occurred in the control group typical of AD's usual course. Although the number of subjects in this pilot study was small, and there were feasibility challenges with recruitment and adherence, important were noted suggesting areas for future study.