Tolerability and Likeability of a Cognitive Training Program in an Outpatient Memory Care Clinic

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPatients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stages of dementia often search for treatments to improve their cognitive and daily functioning or help with managing their deficits. Research suggests that multi‐component non‐pharmacological interventions provided to patients with caregivers have similar benefits as pharmacological treatments but without any side effects. Previously, we presented about developing a multi‐component and multi‐domain cognitive training program for patients and care partners. Here, we present the information about the tolerability, likability, and efficacy of the cognitive intervention.MethodThe cognitive training consists of approximately 20 sessions provided to dyads of patients with MCI or early stages of dementia and their care partners. The cognitive training program includes three main components:• Psychoeducation, training, and problem‐solving for healthy brain behaviors.• Psychoeducation, training, and problem‐solving for compensatory strategies.• Psychoeducation and cognitive training addressing attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and memory domains.A total of 14 patients started the treatment (male = 9; female = 5) that ranged 62 to 85 years of age. Diagnoses included MCI due to TBI (n = 1), Alzheimer’s (n = 1), Vascular (n = 1), or unclear (n = 5) etiologies; or dementia due to Alzheimer’s (n = 2), Parkinson’s (n = 1), Mixed (n = 3) etiologies. At the end of the training, patients completed a brief survey about their experiences.ResultsFive out of 14 patients completed the training. Four patients with MCI who completed the treatment demonstrated improvements in cognition, quality of life, improved mastery of daily activities, reduced complaints of cognitive dysfunction, and reduced caregiver burden. Only one patient with dementia completed the treatment and remained stable. All patients who completed the treatment found it helped in their daily functioning and patients rated the treatment 4 out of 4, where 4 stands for “very likely” they would recommend this training to someone who is experiencing cognitive difficulties.Four patients with MCI with significant psychological symptoms did not complete the program and five patients with dementia needed more support with caregiving and resources.ConclusionMulti‐component and multi‐domain cognitive training program with patients and care partners is best tolerated by patients with MCI. Further research will establish statistical and clinical significance.