Theory of Mind in Alzheimer Disease

Maria Cardoso, J.^1*, Alba Pérez², María Casas, A.² & Marta Armengod²

¹Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
²AFEDAZ: Association of families with Alzheimer Disease

Dr. Maria Cardoso, J., Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.

Keywords: Alzheimer Disease; Executive Function Assessment; Dementia

Abstract

Introduction
The ability to understand and attribute mental states, including intentions, knowledge and desires, to both ourselves and other people, is referred to as possession of a ‘Theory of Mind’ (ToM). Some studies have revealed an association between ToM abilities and Executive Functioning (EF) capacities Although many types of research had documented executive dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease (AD), the link between executive functions (EFs) and ToM is not yet fully studied in AD. Therefore the main aim of the present study is to know if patients with early AD are able to resolve a First Order False belief task.
Method
A total of 22 patients with early Alzheimer´s disease were recruited into the study from a dementia speciality clinic in Zaragoza, Spain. In this study, we tested a first-order belief task. Executive function was assessed using “Executive functions and frontal lobes test” (BANFE-2).

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