Feasibility of a Telehealth Compensatory Cognitive Training Program for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may benefit from compensatory cognitive training (CCT). This study investigated the feasibility of telehealth CCT among older adults with MCI.

Methods

Adults age 55+ with MCI (n = 28) and a care partner (n = 18) participated in telehealth CCT. Participants rated sessions’ technological interference on an adapted 0–100 session rating scale (higher scores=less interference). Clinicians provided ratings and qualitative feedback on types of interference experienced. Feasibility was assessed by enrollment and completion rates, and through ratings and feedback.

Results

6% of contacts declined participation due to telehealth delivery. 24 of 28 participants completed the program, with no dropouts due to telehealth. Participants (M = 81.32, SD = 25.61) and clinicians (M = 76.24, SD = 33.37) rated technological interference as infrequent. Clinicians indicated most interference did not impact sessions, though 4% required rescheduling due to interference.

Conclusions

Telehealth delivery was not a barrier to recruitment, enrollment, or completion of CCT. Technological problems were mostly minor. Telehealth CCT could support access to and intervention among older adults with MCI.

Clinical Implications

Telehealth CCT for older adults with MCI was feasible, with mild issues not impacting session completion. Clinicians should be prepared to offer support as technological issues arise, or have dedicated technological support services.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognitive training
• mild cognitive impairment
• older adults
• telehealth

Clinical Implications

• Telehealth delivery of a compensatory cognitive training program for older adults with MCI was found to be feasible using videoconference.

• Mild technological interference occurred but typically did not impact session completion.

• Clinicians interested in telehealth CCT should be prepared to offer patients support as technological issue arise, or could consider having dedicated technological support services to assist patients when needed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.