Abstract
Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility and meaningfulness of a home-based individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) program delivered by caregivers to persons with cognitive impairment (PwCIs). It also aims to assess whether the older adults receiving this program improved their cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and depressive symptoms and quality of life and whether their caregivers improved their mental and physical health.Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with PwCI-caregiver dyads recruited from the community. Participants were allocated to two groups: intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 24). The intervention group received the European Portuguese version of the Individual Cognitive Stimulation Program—Making a Difference 3 (MD3-P). The control group received usual care. The iCS therapy program was implemented three times a week for 12 weeks. Caregivers were supported by the researchers to deliver the sessions at home. Participants were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention (week 13). Feasibility and meaningfulness were assessed through the attrition rate, adherence, and degree of satisfaction with the sessions. Four interviews were conducted (after week 13) to understand participants’ experiences.Results: The attrition rate was 23.1%. The dyads reported that they did not have high expectations about the iCS program before starting the study. Nevertheless, as the program evolved, caregivers noted that their family members had improved some areas of functioning. Intention-to-treat analysis based on group differences revealed a significant improvement in PwCIs’ cognition, specifically in their orientation and ability to follow commands. The intervention had no impact on other variables such as caregivers’ physical and mental health.Conclusion: The iCS program implemented by caregivers showed promising results in improving PwCIs’ cognition. The participants who completed the intervention attributed a positive meaning to the MD3-P, confirming it as a valid non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to reducing frailty in PwCIs in community settings.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT03514095].
Highlights
Providing conditions that promote healthy aging in community settings is a social priority
The statistical measure of the effect size (ES) Cohen’s d was calculated as a measure of effect size (ES) using the Z score resulting from the Mann-Whitney U-test, with the support of an online ES calculator for non-parametric tests
This study focused on individual cognitive stimulation as a home intervention conducted by the caregiver for older adults with cognitive deterioration
Summary
Providing conditions that promote healthy aging in community settings is a social priority. Aging is associated with increased prevalence of cognitive disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, known as major neurocognitive disorders (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013; Prince et al, 2015; Apóstolo et al, 2016; Livingston et al, 2017). Several factors influence the onset and progression of late-life cognitive disorders, namely demographic, genetic, cardiovascular, behavioral, and psychosocial factors (Apóstolo et al, 2016). A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for creating and activating mechanisms to prevent and treat MCI and reduce the prevalence of its more evolved forms. Recent studies (Panza et al, 2015, 2017) have shown that the adverse effects of late-life cognitive disorders can be prevented or minimized through the successful management of other age-related conditions, such as frailty
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
