A-135 Telehealth Motivationally Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Veterans with Cognitive Complaints: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of Motivationally Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training (ME-CCT), conducted via telehealth. Cognitive performance, self-reported functioning, and activity engagement were expected to improve following participation. Compensatory strategy use was projected to predict posttest memory performance. Method Data from VA electronic medical records was obtained for five veterans (80% male; ages 68–84) who completed an 8-week ME-CCT protocol via telehealth. All completed pre/post neuropsychological screening (RBANS subtests, Oral TMT-B [O-TMT-B]) and self-report measures (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHODAS, Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire [MMQ]). All had cognitive complaints but no cognitive disorder. Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared pretest-posttest scores. Hierarchical linear regression examined whether strategy use was predictive of posttest memory scores, controlling for age and pretest scores. Results O-TMT-B time (Z = -1.75, p = 0.040, r = −0.78) and errors (Z = -1.73; p = 0.042, r = −0.77) improved significantly, but not semantic fluency (p = 0.358). Immediate (p = 0.055) and Delayed Memory (p = 0.447) did not change. MMQ-Strategy increased (Z = -1.826; p = 0.034, r = −0.82). MMQ-Abilities (p = 0.055, r = −0.82) and MMQ-Satisfaction (p = 0.143 r = −0.48,) did not differ but showed a moderate to large effect. PHQ-9 was lower (Z = -1.841, p = 0.033, r = −0.82); there was a non-significant but large effect on GAD-7 (Z = -1.414, p = 0.079, r = −0.63). WHODAS-Total did not differ (p = 0.231). Use of strategies did not predict Immediate (p = 0.669) or Delayed (p = 0.631) Memory scores. Conclusions Preliminary findings support the use of the ME-CCT protocol with older adults via telehealth, as results suggest possible improvement in aspects of cognition, greater use of strategies, and reductions in mood-related symptoms. Further research with a larger sample is needed to replicate the results and further explore possible outcomes following ME-CCT.