The Applicability and Effect of EMDR in a Patient With a Mild Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease

Clinical case study of a woman who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease–clinical usefulness of EMDR.

Article Abstract

“Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized worldwide as an effective treatment for the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and all kinds of adverse life experiences. The literature on the clinical usefulness of EMDR therapy in people with Alzheimer’s disease is scarce. We present a clinical case study of a woman who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This patient was suffering from daily flashbacks of her institutionalized mother in a later stage of dementia. According to self-reports, one session of EMDR therapy alleviated the distress associated with her traumatic memory. We discuss the applicability of the EMDR protocol for people with Alzheimer’s disease and highlight possible limitations and adaptations.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

van der Wielen, M., Robben, H., & Mark, R. E. (2019). The Applicability and Effect of EMDR in a Patient With a Mild Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(1), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.1.51

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.