Supporting Cognition and Well-Being in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Intervention

Abstract

About one in five older adults in the community have cognitiveimpairments greater than expected for age, but less severe thandementia. Activity-based interventions tailored to this important``in-between{''} group may help to extend continued independence ineveryday functioning while sustaining mood and well-being. This chapterreviews research on cognitive wellness interventions for persons withmild cognitive impairment (MCI) and describes a 1-year pilotintervention based on individualized plans for increasing cognitive andphysical activity. The need for controlled trials of MCI interventionswith follow-up and measurement of impacts beyond cognition (e.g.,well-being and everyday function) is discussed.