In order to demonstrate the intervention effect of an integrated cognitive training program for improving cognitive function and depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment, the primary dementia screening test and secondary examination (n...
In order to demonstrate the intervention effect of an integrated cognitive training program for improving cognitive function and depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment, the primary dementia screening test and secondary examination (neuropsychological evaluation and clinical evaluation of dementia) at the Seoul Middle School ** Dementia Relief Center Results 16 people diagnosed with mild cognitive decline were selected as the study subjects, and related data were collected and analyzed from June 2021 to February 2021. The integrated cognitive training program proposed in this study consists of four stages: initial, intermediate I, intermediate II, and final, and was conducted 12 times for 4 weeks, each 60 minutes each.
To confirm the program effect, cognitive level and depression-related factors were measured using the Korean Dementia Screening Test and the Korean Depression Scale for the Elderly, and analyzed according to a statistical procedure.
As a result of the analysis, the pre-mean (M=22.3, SD=4.24) and post-mean (M=25.06) of the overall cognitive function in the change of the mean value before and after the application of the integrated cognitive training program for the improvement of cognitive function and depressive symptoms in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (M=22.3, SD=4.24) , SD=3.17), a statistically significant difference (p<.01) was identified. Also, a statistically significant difference (p<.01) was confirmed between the pre-mean (M=6.63, SD=2.87) and the post-mean (M=8.44, SD=2.06) of memory. However, no statistically significant level of change was found in the improvement of depression.
The suggestions of this study are as follows.
First, this study has limitations in generalizing the results of the study because it was conducted on some elderly members of the Seoul Middle and ** Dementia Relief Center members.
Second, since this study quantitatively analyzed and compared changes in related variables through experiments, there is a limitation in that discussions on qualitative dimensions such as the subject's experience and perception were excluded.
Third, although this study consisted of a program of 12 sessions for 60 minutes per session, a follow-up study is needed to extend the period and to analyze the continuity of the program participation effect.
Fourth, as this study is a single-group study design, comparable comparison groups are excluded. Although environmental factors such as COIVD-19 and the study subject are elderly and there are restrictions on public relations related to program participation, it is desirable to discuss the differentiation of program effects by setting up various comparison groups in consideration of this in the follow-up study.
Fifth, the contents and operation of the integrated cognitive training program for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment reported in previous studies so far are different for each study. This is thought to be due to the absence of a unified program development principle and model. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the principles of developing an integrated cognitive training program and model validation in a follow-up study.