Cognitive stimulation program in mild cognitive impairment A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract. Non-pharmacological cognitive interventions in mild cognitive impairment have demonstrated promising results in preventing or delaying cognitive impairment and functional disability. Cognitive stimulation seems to improve and maintain cognitive and social activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a cognitive stimulation program in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at the cognitive level on activities of daily living (ADLs), and levels of anxiety and depression. Methods: A randomized controlled single-blind trial involving 122 non-institutionalized elderly with a MEC-35 score of 24-27 was conducted. The intervention group (n=54) received the intervention (10-week cognitive stimulation program) and was compared with a control group (n=68) that received no intervention. Follow-up assessments were conducted post-test and at 6 months post-test. The primary outcome was cognitive function determined by changes in scores on the Spanish version (MEC-35) of the Mini-Mental State Examination, while the secondary outcomes were measured by the Barthel Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, Goldberg Questionnaire (anxiety sub-scale) and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item version). Results: The intervention group showed a significant improvement in cognitive function at both timepoints, post-test and 6-month follow-up. The Barthel Index was higher in the intervention group, but only on the post-test analysis. The intervention did not improve the performance of instrumental ADLs or depression or anxiety levels. Conclusion: The findings showed cognitive improvements in an elderly population with MCI in the short and medium-term and improved basic ADLs in the short term. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03831061.</jats:p>

Effects of a Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme on the Independence Performing Activities of Daily Living of Persons with Dementia—A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, the improvements in functional capacity that show an increase in the Barthel index score ( p = 0.006) are consistent with other studies of cognitive stimulation and with recent systematic reviews [ 8 , 13 , 36 ] as well as other studies that conducted an Occupational Therapy intervention based on recovery of the ADL [ 34 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. What makes our study different is the approach used.…”

“…In our study, the results in the experimental group were not maintained after the follow up period (Barthel Index p = 0.675), which could be due to the fact that the re-establishment intervention requires a longer duration in order to achieve the improvement of the cognitive function and to be applied functionally [ 36 ].…”

“…In addition, this scale has been validated and translated into Spanish and we had enough professional experience to apply it with no bias. Barthel Index has also been used in studies that assessed BADL as an outcome measure [ 36 ].…”

Análisis del efecto a largo plazo de un programa de estimulación cognitiva en mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve en Atención Primaria: ensayo controlado aleatorizado

“…En un artículo previo 16 hemos puesto de manifiesto la eficacia del ECA a corto y medio plazo que ha seguido las normas del grupo CONSORT 24 . La población de estudio han sido personas atendidas en consultas de AP en el Centro de Salud San José Norte-Centro de Zaragoza (España) y que aceptaron participar.…”

“…Hemos identificado diferentes estudios nacionales 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 e internacionales 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 que aplican PEC en DCL; solamente 4 son ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECA) 16 , 18 , 20 , 21 ; uno combina en sus resultados DCL y demencia leve-moderada 20 y ninguno realiza seguimiento a largo plazo.…”