Enhancement of cognitive reserve and resilience by the “Brain-activating Rehabilitation” and “Positive Psychology”

Haruyasu Yamaguchi^1）, Tetsuya Yamagami^2）

^1）Professor emeritus Gunma University
^2）Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences

To enhance cognitive reserve and resilience of people with dementia, we proposed the Brain-activating Rehabilitation, which consists of 5 principles:1） enjoyable and comfortable activities;2） empathetic two-way communication;3） praising each other;4） offering some social role;and 5） errorless support.　These ensure a pleasant atmosphere, enhance motivation and maintain dignity.　The PERMA theory of the Positive Psychology consists of 5 components:1） positive emotion;2） engagement;3） mutually beneficial relationship;4） meaning of life （daily work and roles）;and 5） achievement.　These are necessary to people's well-being.　We can support patients' well-being through care/rehabilitation by enhancing their cognitive reserve and resilience.

Address correspondence to Dr. Haruyasu Yamaguchi, Professor emeritus Gunma University （4-2 Aramaki-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8510, Japan）