H - 05 Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Expanding Diversity into Clinical Practice and Research.

Abstract

Numerous non-pharmacological treatments (NPT) have been developed for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Bahar-Fuchs, Mowszowski, Lautenschlager, & Cox, 2021). Two forms of NPTs, namely cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and cognitive training (CT) may demonstrate cognitive benefit, but there remain significant methodological challenges in the field (Barban et al., 2016; McPhee, Downey & Stough, 2019; Sherman et al., 2020). One such limitation is the contribution of cultural and demographic factors to study outcome heterogeneity. Our goal was to highlight examples of select culturally informed NPTs and provide recommendations to expand diversity into clinical practice and research. Discussed results and limitations of recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews that focused on NPTs for MCI in older adults. We completed a review of culturally informed NPTs from the past two years. Clinician experiences informed the inclusion of additional diversity variables (e.g., methodological, demographic, social, systemic) that could be integrated into clinical practice and research. There is a paucity of research considering cultural and demographic factors when delivering NPTs. Results of culturally informed CR or CT highlighted themes in the adaptation of language, cognition, function, diet, and physical activity. Additional provider, patient, and systemic factors can be considered to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Culturally informed NPTs are understudied. Practical recommendations for US-based clinicians and researchers are provided that could increase access/recruitment, retention, and outcome in CT and CR for diverse populations.