Understanding the subjective experiences of memory concern and MCI diagnosis: A scoping review

Systematic review and meta-analysis of standalone digital interventions for cognitive symptoms in people without dementia

Cognitive symptoms are prevalent across neuropsychiatric disorders, increase distress and impair quality of life. Self-guided digital interventions offer accessibility, scalability, and may overcome the research-to-practice treatment gap. Seventy-six trials with 5214 participants were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis investigated the effects of all digital self-guided interventions, compared to controls, at post-treatment. We found a small-to-moderate positive pooled effect on cognition (k = 71; g = -0.51, 95%CI -0.64 to -0.37; p < 0.00001) and mental health (k = 30; g = -0.41, 95%CI -0.60 to -0.22; p < 0.0001). Positive treatment effects on fatigue (k = 8; g = -0.27, 95%CI -0.53 to -0.02; p = 0.03) and quality of life (k = 22; g = -0.17, 95%CI -0.34 to -0.00; p = 0.04) were only marginally significant. No significant benefit was found for performance on activities of daily living. Results were independent of control groups, treatment duration, risk of bias and delivery format. Self-guided digital transdiagnostic interventions may benefit at least a subset of patients in the short run, yet their impact on non-cognitive outcomes remains uncertain.

Exploring the lived experience: impact of dementia diagnosis on individuals with cognitive impairment - a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Although knowledge about the experience of being diagnosed with dementia is limited, with the expected rise in dementia's prevalence in the coming decades, such knowledge is pivotal for the people diagnosed, their families, and healthcare planners. Thus, the aim of our study was to explore the experience of living with cognitive impairment and dementia and the impact of being diagnosed with dementia.

METHOD

A qualitative design was applied. Participants were recruited based on age-adjusted values below ​​threshold values on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (i.e. 70-79 years, < 22; 80-89 years, < 21; 90 + years, < 20), and the sample ultimately included 15 participants: six with and nine without a documented dementia diagnosis. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the transcribed interviews in four steps to identify codes, categories, and the overall theme.

RESULTS

Three major categories emerged from the interviews: (1) experiences with changes, (2) experiences with being diagnosed with dementia, and (3) existential experience. All participants with and most participants without a dementia diagnosis experienced changes in cognition.

CONCLUSION

Our findings imply that being diagnosed with dementia is a relief because it explains observed cognitive and functional decreases and reduces confusion, shame and stigma. However, it also raises concerns about an unknown future. Most participants not diagnosed with dementia reported having little or no difficulty with everyday living and leading a fulfilling life. Those findings emphasise the significance of timely versus early diagnosis.