Pilot feasibility study of cognitive training exercises for Egyptian adults: Proof of concept

Abstract

Objectives Cognitive training exercises (CTE) are promising and effective interventions to enhance cognitive reserve and slowdown cognitive deterioration in people with subjective memory impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of CTE among Egyptian adults. Methods Eighteen participants above 40 years old were recruited. They underwent baseline neuropsychological assessment and functional assessment. However, after receiving a 6 weeks' cognitive training, eight participants (seven with MCI and one was cognitively intact) dropped out from the study. Finally, 10 participants (8 participants with MCI, 1 with SCI and 1 was cognitively intact) completed 12 weeks of CTE and undergone the post‐assessment afterward. CTE included visual, verbal, memory, executive function, visuospatial, attention, and psychokinetic exercises through onsite and home‐based sessions. Results For the 10 participants who completed 12 weeks of CTE, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test showed a statistically significant change in the scores of mini‐mental state examination (Z = −2.546, p = 0.011), semantic fluency test (Z = −2.913, p = 0.004), subjective memory complaint questionnaire (Z = −2.913, p = 0.004), Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word List (first trial: Z = −2.641, p = 0.008; Word list recall: Z = −2.825, p = 0.005), construction abilities (immediate: Z = −2.121, p = 0.034; delayed recall: Z = −2.414, p = 0.016), and Digit span test (forward: Z = −2.724, p = 0.006; backward: Z = −2.724, p = 0.006). Conclusions The results of this study suggested that CTE are feasible among Egyptian adults, especially those with MCI, and potentially effective in enhancing global cognition and after 12 weeks of training. Future research should shed light on the efficacy of longitudinal CTE implementation in Arab adults' populations.

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“…Researchers have also questioned whether cognition-focused interventions can lower the risk of AD or at least help to maintain cognitive reserve [ 346 , 347 ]. Higher education level, which may covary with regular mental exercise, has also been associated with a reduced risk of dementia [ 348 ].…”

Alzheimer's disease research progress in the Mediterranean region: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium

“…The cognitive training lab protocols were designed in conjunction with a Greek consortium, but adapted for the Arabic population. So far, Arabic versions of standardized cognitive training tools have been developed and validated, and >20 Egyptian professionals have been educated to set up cognitive training services with successful completion of the first feasibility study of cognitive training exercises for Egyptian adults in 2020 77 …”