Experience of occupational therapists intervening with elderly people with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Introduction: The Minor Neurocognitive Disorder, commonly known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), is one of the condition in which the primary clinic deficit is in the cognitive function and it brings repercussions on daily activities, especially to those who demands mostly cognitive abilities to its performance. The occupational therapist (OT) is a professional who can work with cognitive rehabilitation, directing their efforts to help patients perform occupational roles with a minimum interference of the cognitive limitations. Objective: To know the interventions performed by OT with elderly people with MCI. Method: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study with 10 OT active in São Paulo, in the areas of geriatrics and gerontology, with elderly with MCI. Participants were recruited using the technique snow-ball. Individual interviews were conducted with a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results: The OT reported performing individual and group calls to people with MCI, aiming to prevent cognitive decline, cognitive and functional improvement, maintenance of autonomy, improved quality of life and offering emotional support. Conclusion: It was found that the OT is a professional who has been increasingly recognized to work with the elderly with MCI, especially regarding to the adoption of features that improve or reduce difficulties in performing daily activities that involve more directly cognitive aspects.