Group Therapy for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Significant Others: Results of a Waiting-List Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have to deal with an uncertain prognosis and also face a multitude of memory-related problems and psychosocial consequences. A newly developed group programme proved to be feasible, however, it needed confirmation by a controlled study. Aim: This controlled study evaluates this group therapy for MCI patients aimed to help them accept and manage the memory problems and the psychosocial consequences. The programme combines elements from psychoeducation, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Patients and Methods: Ninety-three MCI patients received treatment, with 30 patients being first assigned to a waiting list, thus serving as their own control group. Pre- and post-treatment acceptance and helplessness were assessed using subscales of the Illness Cognition Questionnaire, while distress and general well-being were gauged with the Geriatric Depression Scale and subscales of the RAND-36. Results: Linear mixed model analyses showed that, relative to the controls, acceptance had increased more in the intervention group compared to the waiting-list period (p = 0.034). Distress and general well-being showed no changes. Treatment responders demonstrating a clinically significant effect on acceptance and two of three secondary outcome measures had higher baseline levels of helplessness and fewer self-reported memory complaints in daily life than patients who did not improve. Conclusion: The intervention helped the patients deal better with their uncertain future in that they were overall better able to accept their condition, with especially the female patients showing a decrease in helplessness cognitions, although the effects were relatively small.

Effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: a meta-synthesis of patient perspectives

“…However, participants should not feel isolated when learning about these deficits, and feedback and support is often required. In line with our findings, previous research has shown that awareness and acceptance were associated with intervention effectiveness (Joosten-Weyn Banningh et al, 2010). In addition, personal adjustment counselling, which addresses medical issues such as cognitive deficits, has been shown to be helpful with respect to employment outcomes in people with MS (Chiu, Chan, Bishop, da Silva Cardoso, & O'Neill, 2013).…”

Predictors of perceived stigmatization in patients with psoriasis

“…Previous research indicates that it can decrease perceived stigmatization in skin conditions, 57 improve psychological and disease-related outcomes in psoriasis, 58,59 and decrease helplessness, which shows high correlations with disease impact. [60][61][62] In order to target the SI aspect of type D personality, social skills training and evidence-based interventions for social fears, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and/or exposure therapy, may be an additional treatment approach. 63,64 The current study provides a framework of characteristics of patients who are at greater risk to perceive stigmatization, which has been shown to have detrimental psychological consequences in psoriasis.…”

The Diagnosis and Management of Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…65 Little is known about the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care programs or supportive care interventions (e.g., counseling, education, support groups) for patients with MCI or their families because well-designed RCTs are lackingand one RCT that included many patients with dementia was negative (Table). 16 A few, small RCTs found that psychotherapy may modestly increase patients' acceptance of an MCI diagnosis and also provide knowledge, insight, acceptance, and coping skills for significant others, 66,67 but larger RCTs are needed.…”