Programa de estimulación cognitiva en línea para pacientes adultos mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve: estudio de factibilidad

Background

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is considered a decline in cognitive functions, which becomes more pronounced with age. These patients may benefit from cognitive treatments that help attenuate or slow down a potential progression towards dementia.

Objective

To assess the feasibility, fidelity, satisfaction, and effectiveness of the Memory Training and Cognitive Stimulation Program (PEMEC, by its Spanish acronym) in individuals with MCI in an online setting.

Method

A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 14 patients with MCI received the PEMEC (PEMEC online) through an electronic device, were assessed with MoCA, NEUROPSI Brief, Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale before and after treatment, comparing these measurements with those of a waiting list control group.

Results

92,85% completed the treatment; with an average of 92% fidelity to the original intervention, an average of 91,61% for satisfaction with the activities of each session and the perceived usefulness was 97,98%. Statistically significant differences were found in the NEUROPSI Brief and the MoCA, before and after treatment in the intervention group and, when comparing the scores with the waiting list control group, a statistically significant difference was found in the MoCA scores.

Conclusion

Following the cultural adaptation of the program (from a Spanish to a Mexican treatment group), these results establish a precedent that systematic group cognitive interventions are feasible and effective in virtual tele-neuropsychology contexts for older adults.