Chalermpong Sukontapol1, Sasithorn Kemsen2, Sirintorn Chansirikarn3, Daochompu Nakawiro4, Orawan Kuha5, Unchulee Taemeeyapradit6. 1. Vachira Phuket Hospital, Muang District, Phuket, 83000, Thailand. Electronic address: chalermpongs@hotmail.com. 2. Songkhlarajanakarindra Psychiatric Hospital, Muang District, Songkhla, 90000, Thailand. Electronic address: sasit3124@hotmail.co.th. 3. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok10400, Thailand. Electronic address: sirintorn.cha@mahidol.ac.th. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. Electronic address: daochompu.nak@mahidol.ac.th. 5. Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Department of Medical Service, Ministry of Public Health, Muang District, Nonthaburi11000, Thailand. Electronic address: orawan.k@dms.mail.go.th. 6. Songkhlarajanakarindra Psychiatric Hospital, Muang District, Songkhla, 90000, Thailand. Electronic address: unchulee44@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive training program on global cognition among people with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: In this experimental study, using purposive sampling, 60 participants age 50 years and over who complained of subjective memory impairment were screened in their communities by public health volunteers with the Abbreviated Mental Test. Those with dementia were excluded as well as those with depression, which were screened out by the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15). Mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed and confirmed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and joint agreement between a psychiatrist and a neurologist. The participants were alternately assigned to receive a cognitive training program (intervention group) while the other half received their normal usual therapy (control group). The program involved training of 4 aspects of cognition through 6 sessions; 2 sessions per month for 3 months. The MoCA and TGDS-15 scales were given at baseline and again at week 13, and at months 6 and 9. Independent t-tests were used to compare changes in global cognition among the two groups. RESULTS:MoCA scores at 9 months were significantly higher than at baseline in both groups. However, the mean difference in intervention group was significantly higher than control group. TGDS-15 scores at 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline among the intervention group but not the control group. CONCLUSION: This cognitive training program helped to improve global cognition and reduce depressive symptoms.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive training program on global cognition among people with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: In this experimental study, using purposive sampling, 60 participants age 50 years and over who complained of subjective memory impairment were screened in their communities by public health volunteers with the Abbreviated Mental Test. Those with dementia were excluded as well as those with depression, which were screened out by the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15). Mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed and confirmed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and joint agreement between a psychiatrist and a neurologist. The participants were alternately assigned to receive a cognitive training program (intervention group) while the other half received their normal usual therapy (control group). The program involved training of 4 aspects of cognition through 6 sessions; 2 sessions per month for 3 months. The MoCA and TGDS-15 scales were given at baseline and again at week 13, and at months 6 and 9. Independent t-tests were used to compare changes in global cognition among the two groups. RESULTS: MoCA scores at 9 months were significantly higher than at baseline in both groups. However, the mean difference in intervention group was significantly higher than control group. TGDS-15 scores at 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline among the intervention group but not the control group. CONCLUSION: This cognitive training program helped to improve global cognition and reduce depressive symptoms.