The Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive Distortion, Depression, and Life Expectancy of the Elderly with Mild Alzheimer's

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Positive Islamic Psychology, Payame Noor University, Behshahr Branch, Behshahr, Iran.

2 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch, Roudehen, Iran.

3 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Semnan Branch, Semnan, Iran.

4 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive distortion, depression, and life expectancy of the elderly with mild Alzheimer's. The present study was a quasi-experimental interventional study with pre-test and post-test conducted on the elderly with mild Alzheimer's disease who were referred to day rehabilitation centers in Ardabil in 2025. Of these, 36 elderly individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=18) or the control group (n=18). The experimental group received ten 60-minute sessions of a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program. Data were collected using the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Snyder's Hope Scale. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (SPSS-28). The findings revealed that cognitive rehabilitation significantly decreases unrealistic relationship expectations (F=34.31), interpersonal rejection (F=21.22), interpersonal misperception (F=30.49), and depression (F=32.28), and increases agency thinking (F=17.24), and pathways thinking (F=24.20) in the elderly with mild Alzheimer’s disease (P<0.01). The findings of the present study collectively highlight the comprehensive efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in elderly individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease. By targeting cognitive distortions, alleviating depressive symptoms, and fostering healthier lifestyle practices, the intervention demonstrates multidimensional benefits that extend beyond isolated cognitive improvements.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 27 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2026
  • Publish Date: 01 March 2026

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