Feasibility and first results of a group program to increase the frequency of
cognitively stimulating leisure activities in people with mild cognitive
impairment (AKTIVA–MCI)
AKTIVA-MCI is a program for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that
aims to enhance participation in cognitively stimulating leisure activities.
Participation in cognitively stimulating activities seems to be a potential
strategy for people with MCI delaying cognitive decline for a while. In total,
35 MCI patients were enrolled in the pilot study of whom 29 completed the
whole program (16 female, 71.1±7.5 years; Mini Mental Status Examination
score: 28±2.2). Daily activity protocols were used to measure the frequency of
participation in cognitively stimulating activities during the program (12
sessions). Additional standardized psychometric tests and questionnaires were
used to assess cognition, mood, and subjective memory decline. Analyses of the
daily activity protocols showed that during the intervention participants
increased the frequency of several cognitively stimulating leisure activities.
Comparison of pre-post data indicates no changes in cognitive status, mood,
and subjective memory decline. These findings indicate that the program is
suitable for patients with MCI