This case study describes a person in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and examines her intact social cognition and healthy, appropriate social behavior as reflected by the existence of Kitwood and Bredin’s indicators of relative well-being. The subject of the study was observed over the course of four months at an adult day center. Findings (1) reveal that an apparent dissociation exists between cognitive function as measured by standardized assessments and cognitive function as revealed in social situations, and (2) call into question the notions that (a) cognitive losses, as measured by neuropsychological tests, cause defective social behavior and (b) standard tests are, generalizable ways of measuring different aspects of cognitive function. The meaning of these findings for practitioners and other caregivers is discussed. Further research is required to elucidate the degree to which the present findings may be generalized.
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