SUCCESS AND FAILURE IN 5 CASE-STUDIES - USE OF CUED-RECALL TO AMELIORATE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN SENILE DEMENTIA

Four patients suffering dementing illnesses and presenting management difficulties were taught the association between either a cue and a behaviour, or a cue and information affecting behaviour. On subsequently encountering the cue in the environment, targeted problem behaviours diminished to manageable levels, were modified, or ceased. Problems were: obsessive demands, inappropriate urinating and intrusive aggressive behaviour. The technique failed with a fifth patient, who shouted constantly. Theoretical and clinical aspects of the interventions and the teaching method (repeated retrieval trials) are discussed.