A pilot study of a new method of cognitive stimulation using abacus arithmetic in healthy and cognitively impaired elderly subjects

[Reminiscence program supported by artificial intelligence and based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at the elderly: A pilot study]

INTRODUCTION

Technological applications are an innovative way of providing reminiscence therapy and must meet the users' needs. Intangible cultural heritage as a basis for such therapy has not been explored yet. We evaluated the applicability of a new technological application supported by artificial intelligence for reminiscence therapy based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at older people.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was carried out with people aged 65 or over, without cognitive impairment and with mild and moderate cognitive impairment who attended six centers for older people in Spain and Portugal. Participants tested the first prototype of the individualized LONG-REMI program in four consecutive weekly sessions. The usability and satisfaction of the experience were evaluated using the VAS scale at the end of the intervention. Emotions were evaluated using the PANAS scale before and at the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

Data from 56 participants were analysed. For all participants, usability and satisfaction were highly perceived, with scores of 7.75±1.88 and 8.38±1.57, respectively. The positive affect subscale PANAS showed significant changes (28.86±8.88 before the intervention versus 36.70±9.43 post intervention, Z = -4.18, P = 0.000). There were no significant changes in the PANAS negative affect subscale.

CONCLUSIONS

The first prototype of the LONG-REMI technological application can be used by older people both with and without cognitive impairment. This has the potential to be an instrument for future cognitive therapies with stimulating activities and benefits for emotions.

[Long-term effect analysis of a cognitive stimulation program in mild cognitive impairment elderly in Primary Care: A randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence about the efficacy of a community health intervention through a cognitive stimulation program at long term in older people with mild cognitive impairment.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (CONSORT group norms).

LOCATION

San José Norte-Centro Primary Care Center and La Caridad Foundation (Zaragoza, Spain).

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine people over 65 years old with a 24-27 MEC score that completed 48 months follow up. They were randomized between the intervention group (15) and the control group (14).

INTERVENTIONS

The intervention was applied in 10 sessions of 45min for 10 weeks using the red notebook tool for mental activation that works memory, orientation, language, praxis, gnosis, calculation, perception, logical reasoning, attention and executive functions.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome variables were MEC-35, Set-test, Barthel index, Lawton-Brody scale, Goldberg anxiety scale and Yesavage geriatric depression scale short form.

RESULTS

Increases of the main result variable over the baseline level of MEC-35 were analyzed. On average, the intervention group obtained higher scores than control: 3.14 points post intervention, 3.76 points after 6 months and 2.26 points more than control group after 12 months. All the differences were statistically significant. After 48 months the intervention group obtained 2 points more than control group. The intervention did not improve verbal fluency, activity daily living and mood.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cognitive stimulation program seems to improve cognitive performance, measured with the variable MEC-35 at post intervention, 6, 12 and 48 months. There is no evidence of improvement in verbal fluency, activity daily livings and mood. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03831061.

Cognitive training using the abacus: a literature review study on the benefits for different age groups

The literature indicates that cognitive stimulation interventions have shown promising results. Abacus represents a tool with great potential in such interventions.

Cognitive stimulation program in mild cognitive impairment A randomized controlled trial

Non-pharmacological cognitive interventions in mild cognitive impairment have demonstrated promising results in preventing or delaying cognitive impairment and functional disability. Cognitive stimulation seems to improve and maintain cognitive and social activity.

Central intracrine DHEA synthesis in ageing-related neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration: therapeutic potential?

It is a well-known fact that DHEA declines on ageing and that it is linked to ageing-related neurodegeneration, which is characterised by gradual cognitive decline. Although DHEA is also associated with inflammation in the periphery, the link between DHEA and neuroinflammation in this context is less clear. This review drew from different bodies of literature to provide a more comprehensive picture of peripheral vs central endocrine shifts with advanced age—specifically in terms of DHEA. From this, we have formulated the hypothesis that DHEA decline is also linked to neuroinflammation and that increased localised availability of DHEA may have both therapeutic and preventative benefit to limit neurodegeneration. We provide a comprehensive discussion of literature on the potential for extragonadal DHEA synthesis by neuroglial cells and reflect on the feasibility of therapeutic manipulation of localised, central DHEA synthesis.