Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Cognitive Neurology
• Neuroscience and Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Increasing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in aging populations necessitates effective interventions.
• Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are safe, well-tolerated, and preferred by patients, yet comprehensive guidelines are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for early cognitive decline.
• To synthesize evidence on the efficacy of NPIs, particularly those aligned with the FINGER model, for improving cognition and function.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2014-2024.
• Inclusion criteria: patients aged 60+ with MCI or dementia (MMSE >20), assessing cognition and/or function.
• Focused review on NPIs supported by the FINGER model and a prior AAIC review (Sikkes et al 2021).

Main Results:

• 26 studies met criteria, focusing on exercise (n=16), cognitive (n=4), multicomponent (n=5), and mindfulness (n=1) interventions.
• Exercise (including dance, exergames, mind-body) improved global and cognitive function; walking alone did not show benefits.
• Cognitive interventions (stimulation, mindfulness, multicomponent) demonstrated cognitive benefits; VR cognitive training improved function in one study.

Conclusions:

• Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) positively impact cognition in individuals with MCI and mild dementia.
• Multidomain interventions integrating cognitive and exercise components, mindfulness, and cognitive training yield the greatest benefits.
• Individualized approaches considering patient factors are recommended; further research is needed on optimal intervention parameters.