Computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program GRADIOR for mild dementia and mild cognitive impairment: new features

Abstract

Background The growing number of older people and, with it, the increase of neurological impairments such as dementia has led to the implementation of the use of computer programs for cognitive rehabilitation in people with dementia. For 20 years, we have been developing the GRADIOR cognitive rehabilitation program and conducted several studies associated with its usability and effectiveness. This paper describes the development of the latest version of the GRADIOR computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program for people with different neurological etiologies, especially mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Results GRADIOR is a program that allows cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation of people affected by cognitive impairment. The new version of GRADIOR is characterized by a structure that is dynamic and flexible for both user and therapist, consisting of: Clinical Manager, Clinical History Manager, Treatment Manager and Report Manager. As a structure based on specific requirements, GRADIOR includes a series of modalities and sub-modalities, each modality comprising a series of exercises with different difficulty levels. Discussion Previous studies associated with earlier versions of GRADIOR have allowed the development of a new version of GRADIOR. Taking into account aspects associated with user experience, usability and effectiveness. Aspects that have made it possible to achieve a program that can meet the needs of older people with dementia.

Methodological Designs Applied in the Development of Computer-Based Training Programs for the Cognitive Rehabilitation in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Mild Dementia. Systematic Review

“…Another important requirement, brought forward by Han, Oh [41], is the capacity of modifying treatment intensity according to the person's performance. This is an important finding that has also been pointed out in other studies, such as that by Franco-Martin, Diaz-Baquero [55].…”

A Qualitative Study of the Cognitive Rehabilitation Program GRADIOR for People with Cognitive Impairment: Outcomes of the Focus Group Methodology

“…The cognitive rehabilitation program GRADIOR 4.5 (INTRAS Foundation, Valladolid, Spain) is a multimedia software designed to support professionals in cognitive assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation [18]. The software was specially designed for different types of cognitive impairment or disabilities (e.g., dementia, mental illness) and contains more than 12,500 cognitive exercises in diverse modalities (e.g., memory, orientation, attention) and sub-modalities (e.g., verbal memory).…”

“…GRADIOR includes an independent section for the therapist that enables creating personalized rehabilitation treatment sessions, monitoring cognitive exercises, and accessing execution reports after each treatment session. The program was designed for autonomous use; however, it is convenient for therapists to supervise the sessions and support users [18].…”

Perceptions of Older People with Cognitive Impairment, Caregivers, and Professionals about ehcoBUTLER (Tablet Health Care Platform): A Qualitative Focus Group Study

“…The inclusion criteria were: 55 years or older, have a diagnosis of MCI (meeting the criteria of Petersen [ 41 ]) without any associated psychiatric disorder, be able to read and write, and not have vision/hearing difficulties. In addition, the participants had previous experience with a computer-based cognitive stimulation, training, and rehabilitation program called GRADIOR [ 42 , 43 ] from attending those workshops. Thirteen elderly adults with MCI participated.…”