Evaluating the effectiveness of Cognitive Training on occupational performance and wellbeing in Singapore elderly with MCI

Abstract

Singapore has a declining old-age support ratio and the issue of care is a concern especially for elderly with cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is important for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to manage or prevent the development of dementia. Not all person with MCI will be converted to dementia and there is evidence for improvement in cognition and performance under optimum conditions. Therefore, the literature review in Part A aims to review the effectiveness of the cognitive intervention for improving cognition, activities of daily living (ADL) and wellbeing of elderly with MCI. Despite the difficulty in analysing data due to the heterogeneity of studies; it is evident that cognitive interventions may have some benefits for the cognition of a person with MCI. The review also suggests that cognitive interventions improve ADLs and has minimal effect on wellbeing. Therefore, in Part B, I proposed a research proposal investigating the effectiveness of using a treatment called cognitive training (CT) for elderly with MCI on their wellbeing and their ability to perform ADL independently. The study will be a single-blind randomised controlled trial, conducted in Singapore. The treatment will be conducted by Occupational Therapist. Participants who are eligible for the study will be randomised to either a controlled group and receive intervention as usual or an experimental group and receive CT as the intervention. Participants will undergo six months of intervention and will be accompanied by a partner in every session. Outcome measures will be measured quantitatively pre-post intervention and four months post-intervention for follow-up. The results will then be analysed to investigate the effectiveness of CT for elderly with MCI on their wellbeing and their ability to perform ADL.