Pilot Feasibility Study of an Individualized Cognitive Rehabilitation Program in Mexican Adults with Mild Dementia

Abstract

Introduction. Dementia is a global public health problem, for which there is currently no cure. The increasing number of non-pharmacological interventions for the management of dementia challenges us to provide evidence-based care. Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of an individualized, cognitive rehabilitation program based on the French ETNA3 trial in Mexican subjects over fifty-five with mild Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers who live in the community. Method. Non-randomized feasibility study. The intervention consisted of a twelve-month cognitive rehabilitation program, divided into eighteen ninety-minute sessions, administered by trained psychologists, and standardized according to the French ETNA3 program. To assess its feasibility, we determined the percentage of eligibility, acceptability, retention, and compliance and evaluated the adverse effects and degree of satisfaction in patients and their caregivers. Results. Thirty-two people with dementia and their caregivers agreed to participate. The mean age of the participants was 80 ± 8 years, the majority (72%) were women, and 78% had had five or more years of schooling. At twelve months, twenty-eight subjects (87%) completed the program with 100% compliance with the scheduled sessions. Discussion. This study shows the feasibility of an individualized cognitive rehabilitation program based on ETNA3 for Mexican subjects with mild dementia and their caregivers. Conclusion. More studies are required to evaluate the importance of trained therapists and caregiver support in achieving significant cognitive and functional changes in patients.