A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face
IntroductionThis study was conducted to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and appreciation of a cognitive stimulation protocol for dementia patients, comparing in-person and remote interventions. Cognitive stimulation is a key non-pharmacological therapy that supports cognitive abilities and ps...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1561157/full |
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| author | Simona Cintoli Giulia Spadoni Valeria Giuliani Valentina Nicoletti Eleonora del Prete Daniela Frosini Roberto Ceravolo Roberto Ceravolo Gloria Tognoni |
| author_facet | Simona Cintoli Giulia Spadoni Valeria Giuliani Valentina Nicoletti Eleonora del Prete Daniela Frosini Roberto Ceravolo Roberto Ceravolo Gloria Tognoni |
| author_sort | Simona Cintoli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThis study was conducted to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and appreciation of a cognitive stimulation protocol for dementia patients, comparing in-person and remote interventions. Cognitive stimulation is a key non-pharmacological therapy that supports cognitive abilities and psychological wellbeing in dementia patients, also benefiting caregivers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote therapeutic options, yet the effectiveness and applicability of these for frail dementia patients require validation. The study aimed to evaluate whether a cognitive stimulation protocol could be adapted for remote use, particularly for patients facing logistical challenges.MethodsThe study involved 19 dementia patients (Clinical Dementia Rating = 1 or 2), with 12 undergoing in-person treatment and seven participating remotely. Over eight weekly 1 h sessions, patients engaged in various cognitive activities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving exercises, guided by a clinical psychologist. Remote participants received an introduction to basic computer literacy. Assessments were conducted using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) at the start (T0) and end (T1) of the intervention. Additionally, satisfaction was measured with visual and Likert scales for both patients and caregivers.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the in-person and remote groups in terms of age, education, or gender. The cognitive profiles and ability to perform daily activities remained stable throughout the intervention. Both patients and caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction, with positive feedback on the utility, enjoyment, and engagement in the sessions. The program was also found to be effective in offering support and engaging caregivers, demonstrating that the protocol was both feasible and well-received.DiscussionThese findings suggest that remote cognitive stimulation interventions are a viable and beneficial alternative to in-person therapy. The high levels of satisfaction and stable cognitive outcomes are in line with previous studies. Future research with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up is needed to further assess the lasting impact on cognitive function, quality of life, and caregiver burden. The integration of remote protocols into healthcare systems could enhance access to therapy for a broader patient population. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9d70a2f0468d4860b313db95699d7388 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-9d70a2f0468d4860b313db95699d73882025-08-20T02:26:10ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-04-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15611571561157A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-faceSimona Cintoli0Giulia Spadoni1Valeria Giuliani2Valentina Nicoletti3Eleonora del Prete4Daniela Frosini5Roberto Ceravolo6Roberto Ceravolo7Gloria Tognoni8Neurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyNeurology Unit, Integrated Assistance Departments (DAI) Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, ItalyIntroductionThis study was conducted to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and appreciation of a cognitive stimulation protocol for dementia patients, comparing in-person and remote interventions. Cognitive stimulation is a key non-pharmacological therapy that supports cognitive abilities and psychological wellbeing in dementia patients, also benefiting caregivers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote therapeutic options, yet the effectiveness and applicability of these for frail dementia patients require validation. The study aimed to evaluate whether a cognitive stimulation protocol could be adapted for remote use, particularly for patients facing logistical challenges.MethodsThe study involved 19 dementia patients (Clinical Dementia Rating = 1 or 2), with 12 undergoing in-person treatment and seven participating remotely. Over eight weekly 1 h sessions, patients engaged in various cognitive activities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving exercises, guided by a clinical psychologist. Remote participants received an introduction to basic computer literacy. Assessments were conducted using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) at the start (T0) and end (T1) of the intervention. Additionally, satisfaction was measured with visual and Likert scales for both patients and caregivers.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the in-person and remote groups in terms of age, education, or gender. The cognitive profiles and ability to perform daily activities remained stable throughout the intervention. Both patients and caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction, with positive feedback on the utility, enjoyment, and engagement in the sessions. The program was also found to be effective in offering support and engaging caregivers, demonstrating that the protocol was both feasible and well-received.DiscussionThese findings suggest that remote cognitive stimulation interventions are a viable and beneficial alternative to in-person therapy. The high levels of satisfaction and stable cognitive outcomes are in line with previous studies. Future research with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up is needed to further assess the lasting impact on cognitive function, quality of life, and caregiver burden. The integration of remote protocols into healthcare systems could enhance access to therapy for a broader patient population.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1561157/fullcognitive stimulationnon-pharmacological therapiestele-rehabilitationdementiacognitive declineonline intervention |
| spellingShingle | Simona Cintoli Giulia Spadoni Valeria Giuliani Valentina Nicoletti Eleonora del Prete Daniela Frosini Roberto Ceravolo Roberto Ceravolo Gloria Tognoni A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face Frontiers in Psychology cognitive stimulation non-pharmacological therapies tele-rehabilitation dementia cognitive decline online intervention |
| title | A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face |
| title_full | A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face |
| title_fullStr | A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face |
| title_full_unstemmed | A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face |
| title_short | A pilot study investigating the effectiveness, appreciation, and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients: online versus face-to-face |
| title_sort | pilot study investigating the effectiveness appreciation and feasibility of a cognitive stimulation program in dementia patients online versus face to face |
| topic | cognitive stimulation non-pharmacological therapies tele-rehabilitation dementia cognitive decline online intervention |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1561157/full |
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