Cognitive Stimulation in a-MCI

Abstract

Nowadays, preventing the effects of mental decline is an international priority, but there is little research into cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We present the results of a program aimed at teaching memory strategies and improving metacognitive abilities. This was associated with training to ameliorate caregivers' assistance. Two groups (A and B) were compared in a crossover design. After the first evaluation, group A (but not B) participated in a 6-month cognitive stimulation program. After a second assessment, only B received treatment and then a final evaluation was carried out on both the groups. The results show that (1) both the groups improved their performance as an effect of training; (2) improvements are specific to the functions trained; (3) in the interval without intervention, performance of group B worsened; and (4) group A has maintained their results over time. In conclusion, our results show that specific training may reduce memory impairment in MCI.

Non-pharmacological interventions for adults with mild cognitive impairment and early stage dementia: An updated scoping review

“…Most of the reviewed studies (n=22) examined cognitive training interventions, either alone (Barnes et al, 2009 Boripuntakul et al, 2012, Buschert et al, 2011; Buschert et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013, Finn & McDonald, 2011; Gaitan et al, 2013; Greenaway et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Kwok et al, 2011; Moro et al, 2012; Olchik et al, 2013; Rozzini et al, 2007; Tappen and Hain, 2014; van Paasschen et al, 2013; Zhuang et al, 2013) or in combination with psychotherapeutic interventions (interpersonal therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, coping strategies) (Bottino et al 2005; Rapp et al 2002; Troyer et al, 2008; Tsolaki et al, 2011). Cognitive training interventions addressed either remediation (via stimulation or memory training exercises such as attention focusing exercises, mnemonics, or procedural memory cues) (Barnes et al, 2009; Boripuntakul et al, 2012; Buschert et al, 2011; Buschert et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Finn & McDonald, 2011; Gaitan et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Moro et al, 2012; Olchik et al, 2013; Rozzini et al, 2007; Tappen and Hain, 2014; Troyer et al, 2008; Tsolaki et al, 2011; van Paasschen et al, 2013; Zhuang et al, 2013) or compensation (via external memory aids or adaptive strategies) (Bottino et al, 2005; Greenaway et al, 2013; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Rapp et al, 2002; Tsolaki et al, 2011). They were delivered in various formats, including individual sessions (Barnes et al, 2009; Boripuntakul et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Finn & McDonald, 2011 Greenaway et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Kwok et al, 2011; Moro et al, 2012; Rozzini et al, 2007; Tappen and Hain, 2014; van Paasschen et al, 2008; Zhuang et al, 2013) and group sessions (Bottino et al, 2005; Buschert et ...…”

“…Cognitive training interventions addressed either remediation (via stimulation or memory training exercises such as attention focusing exercises, mnemonics, or procedural memory cues) (Barnes et al, 2009; Boripuntakul et al, 2012; Buschert et al, 2011; Buschert et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Finn & McDonald, 2011; Gaitan et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Moro et al, 2012; Olchik et al, 2013; Rozzini et al, 2007; Tappen and Hain, 2014; Troyer et al, 2008; Tsolaki et al, 2011; van Paasschen et al, 2013; Zhuang et al, 2013) or compensation (via external memory aids or adaptive strategies) (Bottino et al, 2005; Greenaway et al, 2013; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Rapp et al, 2002; Tsolaki et al, 2011). They were delivered in various formats, including individual sessions (Barnes et al, 2009; Boripuntakul et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Finn & McDonald, 2011 Greenaway et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Kwok et al, 2011; Moro et al, 2012; Rozzini et al, 2007; Tappen and Hain, 2014; van Paasschen et al, 2008; Zhuang et al, 2013) and group sessions (Bottino et al, 2005; Buschert et al, 2011; Buschert et al, 2012; Olchik et al, 2013; Rapp et al, 2002; Troyer et al, 2008; Tsolaki et al, 2011). They also incorporated various methods such as traditional training or cognitive stimulation activities (Boripuntakul et al, 2012; Buschert et al, 2011; Buschert et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Gaitan et al, 2013; Greenaway et al, 2013; Jean et al, 2010; Jelcic et al, 2012; Kurz et al, 2012; Kwok et al, 2011; Moro et al, 2012; Olchik et al, 2013; Rapp et al, 2002; Tappen and Hain, 2014; Troyer et al, 2008; Tsolaki et al, 2011; van Paasschen et al, 2008) and computer-based cognitive stimulation activities (Barnes et al, 2009…”

Behavioral and neural correlates of visual emotion discrimination and empathy in mild cognitive impairment

“…MCI has been proposed as the pre-clinical stage of dementia when cognitive impairment is beyond what is considered normal for the age in question, but not of a magnitude to warrant a diagnosis of dementia [31]. As this constitutes a prodromal phase of Alzheimer Disease (AD) and dementia [32], devising specific instruments for diagnosis and interventions in MCI represents a scientific priority [33][34][35].…”

Cognitive Rehabilitation of Memory for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Methodological Review and Model for Future Research

“…Given the relative lack of tests and growing importance of such measures, it is clear that the development of ecologically valid tests would benefit rehabilitation research as well as the general field of Neuropsychology. 5,7,15,16,17,18,24,25,27,30,31,33 12 Narrative memory (other) 3,23,28,30 18,23,26,33, 15,21,22,30,31,33 6 Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) 7,8,16,17,26,27,31,33,34 3,7,23,30,31,36 1,3,4,5,15,28,29,32 1 The ...…”