Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life in Aging Adults Through Targeted Cognitive Training

Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life in Aging Adults Through Targeted Cognitive Training

Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease all represent a range of degenerative conditions that have cognitive impairments which all limit the ability for older individuals to self-manage care, participate in daily activities and community participation. The consequences of these progressive diseases increase the requirement for residential care, associated medical costs and may negatively impact the overall quality of life and mental health for individuals. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, over the next few decades, more than 1 million Canadian's will be living with decreased cognitive ability and will require an increased amount of support, whether through family or institutional sources.

Currently, there are few cognitive programs for individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or for individuals wishing to maintain their current level of cognitive ability which translates to meaningful improvements in daily living and independence, as well as generalized intelligence. To date, the Watson Centre Society for Brain Health (WCSBH) has successfully improved cognitive capacity, executive function and quality of life for over 100 individuals following a wide range of brain injury, and currently has a 77% return to work rate following completion of the full program. The program includes a combination of physical exercise, cognitive training and mindfulness meditation.

The purpose of the research study is to explore the impact of an interdisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation program has upon the cognitive functioning and quality of life for individuals who are assessed to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In particular, the aims of this study include: 1) To evaluate changes in cognition and quality life in older adults with MCI. 2) To explore the potential for intensive cognitive intervention in slowing cognitive degeneration in older adults with MCI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• T-MoCA score between 19 - 23

Exclusion Criteria:

• Potential participants are under the age of 65 years at the time of screening
• Scoring results in a range outside of 19-23 on the MoCA
• Those who have have a diagnosed illness or diagnosed injury which is known to directly and negatively impact cognition
• Are known (legally) to be deemed incapable; unable to appreciate information that is relevant to making decisions or is unable to appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of either making or not making a decision.