The Relationship of Cognitive Impairment to Hypnotic Susceptibility in a Sample of Elderly: A Pilot Study

James R. Hall, Melissa Pennington, Erica Swicegood, A. Scott Winter

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DOI: 10.4236/psych.2012.31010                

Abstract

The relationship between cognitive impairment and hypnotic susceptibility in elderly individuals was investigated. The Stanford Hypnotic Suggestibility Scale (SHSS; Form C Modified) was administered to 30 volunteers between the ages of 65-87 who had been evaluated for cognitive impairment. The sample consisted of 14 normal controls, 8 subjects with mild Alzheimer’s disease, and 8 subjects with mild cognitive impairment. No significant differences between groups were found on performance on the SHSS. Results suggest that that hypnosis may be a useful adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for elderly patients with mild dementia.

Keywords

Hypnotic Suggestibility; Normal Aging; Alzheimer’s Disease; Mild Cognitive Impairment

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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