Publications
2024_ΑΑΙC Neuroscience Next
Abstract Number: 480 Topic: General neuroscience Subtopic: General neuroscience Keywords: Cognitive training , Cognition Impact of a Home-Based Cognitive Training program delivering multifaceted exercises through a single paper-based booklet
Background:
Paper-and-pencil exercises are commonly utilised in clinical practice by neuropsychologists and are often
assigned to patients as homework (Kang et al, 2019). However, few studies have explored their impact when
independently employed by older individuals, especially people with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (mNCD) at
home. Additionally, these exercises typically focus solely on cognitive tasks within a specific domain. This study
presents the outcomes of a comprehensive paper-based training program conducted within the ReMember-Me
AAL-2019-6-188-CP, addressing cognitive, physical, and emotional components, implemented independently by
older adults at home.
Methods:
In total, 70 older adults from Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, and Romania participated in the study (Mage=73.80 ± 6.89
years, 60% female, 42.9% with mNCD, Meducation=12.94 ± 4.01 years). Participants were provided for 60 days
with a booklet containing multidomain cognitive exercises, mindfulness and meditation scripts, physical
exercises, and QR links to playlists featuring classical music songs (such as Mozart), along with leaflets
containing lifestyle recommendations for physical, social, and psychological well-being, compiled from policy
recommendations (e.g., by the World Health Organisation). Participants underwent pre- and post-intervention
assessments using a Stroop-type colour-word test (Jensen & William, 1966), the Geriatric Depression Scale
(Sheik & Yesavage, 1986), and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Van Tilburg, 2010).
Results:
ANOVA repeated measures analyses showed that post-intervention participants had statistically significantly
better scores in Stroop Colour-Word [F(1,38)=5689, p=.028, MDAY1=31.23±13.38, MDAY61=33.15±14.76), and
Word conditions [F(1,38)=6742, p=.012, MDAY1=79.72±18.8, MDAY61=82.13±19.1), lower scores in the GDS
[F(1,69)=5995, p=.017, MDAY1=3.29±2.73, MDAY61=2.66±2.69], and lower scores in the DJG scale [F(1,29)=10366,
p=.002, MDAY1=6.61±1.71, MDAY61=5.47±2.70]. When analysing only people with mNCD, the results remained
significant only for the GDS [F(1,69)=5381, p=.028, MDAY1=4.40±2.83, MDAY61=3.20±3.35], and the DJG scale
[F(1,29)=10366, p=.002, MDAY1=6.61±1.71, MDAY61=5.47±2.70].
Conclusions:
The findings of the present study indicate that holistic, paper-based interventions could offer benefits for
cognition, feelings of loneliness, and mood among older adults living at home, including individuals with mNCD.
Given the increasing global prevalence of cognitive decline worldwide, the study findings may suggest a
promising and cost-effective intervention for specific communities.
Abstract Submission Affirmation:
2024_Brain and Mind 4th Conference
Title: C.B.'s Case: Cognitive Remediation for Language Difficulties in Major Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD) in Old Age
Authors: Sotiria Moza1a, Antonia Tziannarou1b & Panagiota Ppasi1c
1 Noesis Cognitive Center & Tech Solutions, Kifisias 9, 2480, Tseri, a sotiria@noesis.cy, b
antonia@noesis.cy, c nayia@noesis.cy
Introduction: An 88-year-old female (born in 1935), 9+ years of education, housewife, exhibited severe
language difficulties within Major Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD), upon the multidisciplinary examination
after her admission in a rehabilitation clinic. This study assesses the impact of a 60-day remediation
program on her overall functioning and cognitive performance.
Methods: The patient underwent the Mini Mental State Examination-MMSE in Greek in September 2023,
followed by a twice-weekly, 45-minute cognitive remediation program. An alternative MMSE version was
administered in November 2023. Medication received for depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and
vitamin supplements remained unchanged for the past half year.
Results: Baseline MMSE yielded a score of 1/30 (point on language repetition). After the remediation
program, the MMSE score increased to 4/30, with points recorded on spatial orientation, encoding,
instruction following, and language repetition. Clinic staff reported improved mood, cooperation,
conversational skills, reduced interferences, and better language structure compared to baseline.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that targeted remediation may be associated with benefits for older
individuals with language difficulties, even with Major NCD. Familiarisation with the clinical premises
across these 60 days may have affected the results. The program continues for C.B, with further updates
expected in 2024.
2024_Labroots
The humble, paper-based booklet as a method to deliver mental stimulation to seniors at home: Insights and preliminary results of piloting
Moza, Sotiria1a, Chrysostomou, Savvina1b & Tziannarou, Antonia2
1 Noesis Cognitive Center & Tech Solutions Ltd, Kifisias 9, 2480, Nicosia, a sotiria@noesis.cy, b savvina@noesis.cy
2 Materia Group, Athalassis 41, 2221, Nicosia, Cyprus, antonia@materia.com.cy
INTRODUCTION
Despite the increased digitalization in the modern era, healthcare professionals still rely on paper-and-pencil exercises as a part of their
cognitive training sessions or provided as homework for their patients (Kang et al., 2019). Those exercises typically focus solely on
cognitive tasks.
This study aims to introduce a holistic approach developed as part of a research programme to stimulate not only cognitive domains
but also mood, physical activity and other functions provided through a single, paper-based booklet and examines the outcomes of a
60-day training program, self-administered by older adults in their own homes.
METHODS
The booklet was developed as part of the ReMember-Me project co-funded by the AAL Programme. It comprised 100 pages with cognitive exercises tapping working memory (example 1), visuospatial memory (example 2), language (example 3), attention and information processing speed (example 4) and executive function (example 5). The booklet also included pictures-manuals for home exercises (sitting or standing), scripts for mindfulness and QR codes linked to classical music and relaxing sounds.
Seventy older adults from Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, and Romania participated in the study (Mean age = 73.80 ± 6.89 years, 60% female, 42.9% with mNCD, Mean years of education = 12.94 ± 4.01). Over a period of 60 days, participants received a booklet containing multidomain cognitive exercises, mindfulness and meditation scripts, classical music playlists and leaflets containing lifestyle recommendations for physical, social, and psychological well-being, sourced from policy guidelines (e.g., by the World Health Organization).
Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Stroop-type color-word test (Jensen & William, 1966), the Geriatric Depression Scale (Sheik & Yesavage, 1986), and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Van Tilburg, 2010).
