A Model for Implementing Psychotherapy for Individuals With Cognitive Impairments

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) are at greater risk for mental health concerns than those without cognitive impairments. We report the implementation of psychological services for patients with MCI and mild AD/ADRD within a large public health-care system in the United States.

Preimplementation process included identifying a clinic champion. Referrals were initially provided by the clinic champion and then opened to the entire Memory Assessment Clinic with predetermined eligibility guidelines. Patients were seen on a short-term basis, using CBT- or ACT-based therapy. Initial sessions were conducted in person; follow-up sessions were in person and via telehealth.

Patients saw an average of a 2.2-point reduction in depression symptoms and a 2-point reduction in anxiety symptoms. Implementation barriers and facilitators are listed in the full-text of the article.

This clinic implementation demonstrates the feasibility of evidence-based psychotherapy clinics within existing geriatric clinics. Future work should examine the impact of CBT and ACT to treat anxiety and depression in patients with these neurocognitive disorders. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients with MCI and mild AD/ADRD show a clear interest in psychotherapy services, and initial efficacy data suggest there is a clinical benefit for mental health symptoms.