Examining the Effects of Cognitive Training in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the decline in memory, thinking, or judgment in older adults that is abnormal but is not severe enough to be categorized as dementia. The current number of people in the U.S. diagnosed with MCI in 2020 was over 12 million, which is estimated to nearly double by 2060, exponentially raising healthcare costs and caregiving needs. Additionally, those who are diagnosed with MCI are more likely to develop dementia. This project aims to improve cognition in older adults diagnosed with MCI by administering an at-home cognitive training program over 12-16 weeks. This quantitative study uses the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as the primary outcome measure and is guided by Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The MoCA is an internationally utilized cognitive test that is reliable and valid with good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha of 0.83). Participants were tested pre-intervention and post-intervention using the MoCA. The sample size of this study was (n=2). All participants significantly improved their MoCA scores after completing the at-home cognitive training program. Participants signed an informed consent form before participating, and the Arizona State University Internal Review Board approved the project.