Longitudinal Cognitive and Physical Training Effectiveness in MCI, Based on the Experience of the Alzheimer’s Hellas Day Care Centre

Abstract

This study assesses the effectiveness of a multicomponent Longitudinal Cognitive Training (CT) program plus physical exercise (PE) for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). 155 people with MCI, completed a 3 years (3Y) CT+PE, whilst 133 were control. Neuropsychological assessment was performed at baseline and 3 years later, whilst CT+PE had additional annual assessments. According to the results, the 3Y CT+PE outperformed control in cognitive abilities (<i>p</i> < 0.002), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (<i>p</i> < 0.001), stabilized their functional performances between 1st and 2nd year, but worsened in working and verbal memory between 2nd and 3 rd year (<i>p</i> < 0.002). Control deteriorated in cognitive functions (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and ADL (<i>p</i> < 0.001) after 3 years, whilst 1.33% of the experimental and 13.53% of the control group progressed to dementia (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Longitudinal CT+PE improves cognitive performance and ADL in MCI and delay the progression to dementia.