A Multi-Component Cognitive Stimulation Program among Older People with Dementia in Day Care Centers of Taiwan: A Pilot Study

Aims: To examine the effectiveness of this multi-component, cognitive stimulation program in day care centers for older people with dementia to prevent cognitive function decline, self-care abilities decline, and behavior problems or the development of depressive moods.

Study Design: Pre- and post-test experimental study with two groups.

Place and Duration of Study: Subjects were recruited from day care centers located in southern Taiwan, between May 2018 to December 2018.

Methodology: Subjects in the experimental group were treated with the multi-component, cognitive stimulation program (MCCSP). Subjects in the comparison group were provided with their usual activities. Activities of MCCSP contained: structured brain exercise activities and music-leading exercise activities. There were twenty-three subjects (n = 14, in the experimental group; n = 9 in the comparison group) participated the study.

Results: For both two groups, the mini-mental status score (MMSE), the score in Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), the score in Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly Behavior Rating Scale (CAPE-BRS) were slightly improved. The score of ADLs was slightly improved in the experimental group but was declined in the comparison group. Hence, to examine post-intervention changes between experimental and comparison groups, scores showed statistical significant differences in CAPE-BRS and CSDD, but no statistical significant differences in MMSE and ADLs.

Conclusion: The multi-component cognitive stimulation program can delay the occurrence of behavioral problems, depressive mood, and cognitive function declined among older people in day care centers.