Background/Objectives
There is no consensus on the efficacy of cognitive training in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) because of the paucity of well‐designed randomized controlled trials. The objective was to assess the effect of memory training on the cognitive functioning of persons with MCI and its durability and to evaluate whether this effect generalizes to daily life and whether positive effects could be obtained from psychosocial intervention.
Design
Single‐blind randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Research centers of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal and Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec.
Participants
Older adults meeting criteria for amnestic MCI (N = 145).
Intervention
Participants were randomized to cognitive training, a psychosocial intervention, or a no‐contact control condition. Interventions were provided in small groups in eight 2‐hour sessions.
Measurement
Outcome measures were immediate and delayed composite performance memory scores, psychological health (depression, anxiety, well‐being), and generalization effects of the intervention (strategy use in everyday life, difficulties in complex activities of daily living, memory complaints). Testing was administered before training and immediately, 3 months, and 6 months after training.
Results
Participants in the cognitive training condition improved on the delayed composite memory score and on strategy use in everyday life. Improvement was maintained at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up assessments. Participants in the psychosocial and no‐contact conditions did not show any significant improvement.
Conclusion
Cognitive training improves the memory of persons with amnestic MCI. The effect persists over a 6‐month period, and learned strategies are used in everyday life. Cognitive training is a valid way to promote cognition in MCI.
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive functions and impairment of activities of daily living severe enough to interfere with normal functioning. To help persons with this disease perform a variety of activities, our research team developed AP@LZ, an electronic organiser specifically designed for them. Two participants with Alzheimer's disease learned how to use AP@LZ in their daily lives by following a structured learning method. After the learning phase, the participants were able to use AP@LZ efficiently and facilitate their day-to-day activities for several months, despite the steady progression of the disease. These results suggest that persons with Alzheimer's disease can learn to use new technologies to compensate for their everyday memory problems, which opens up new rehabilitation possibilities in dementia care.
TBI has a significant negative effect on leisure participation. Leisure activities should be evaluated and included in a therapy program designed to promote reintegration into society and work.
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