Authors (including presenting author) :
Yuen LH(1)(2), Tsang YW(1)(2), Wong ML (1)(2), Chu HW(1), Lee CK(1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Kwai Chung Hospital, (2) Psychogeriatric Team, Kwai Chung Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Computerized Cognitive Training
Keyword 3: :
Cognitive function
Keyword 4: :
Perceived Well-being
Keyword 5: :
Occupational Therapy
Introduction :
As Hong Kong’s population ages, cognitive decline among older adults poses increasing challenges to independence and quality of life, highlighting the necessity for effective interventions, particularly in psychogeriatric care. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by incorporating computer-assisted trainings to enhance patient’s cognitive function. Hence, a protocol-driven Computerized Cognitive Training Program (CCTP) was developed to provide a comprehensive cognitive intervention for psychogeriatric outpatients, offering a resource efficient and non-invasive option to slow decline.
Objectives :
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of CCTP for improving cognitive function and perceived well-being in psychogeriatric outpatients.
Methodology :
A pretest-posttest study design was adopted with the Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC) administered as the primary outcome measure for cognitive function. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was given to patients during post-assessment for measuring patients’ improvement in their perceived well-being. The CCTP consists of a standardized assessment and intervention procedure. Based on assessment results, patients’ cognitive level and deficits in various cognitive domains were identified, then interactive and adaptive training exercises were selected accordingly. Twelve 60 minutes training sessions with home programs via strategy-based work samples or HAGO (N-Back and Task-Switching) were then prescribed weekly or every other week depending on patient’s availability. Participants were included in the final analysis if they are: (1) a first-time participant (2) diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia or had subjective memory concerns. Conversely, participants were excluded if they failed to complete 12 sessions.
Result & Outcome :
52 psychogeriatric outpatients (mean age=79.0±6.12years) that were recruited from June 2020 to August 2025 meet both criteria. For perceived well-being, 94% of patients rated 4 or above for mood improvement (mean score=4.32±0.642), suggesting satisfactory effectiveness. For cognitive function, the program yielded an overall significant improvement (p=0.0240) yet differing effects across diagnostic groups. Among patients with mood disorders (n=17), participating CCTP yielded statistically significant improvement (p=0.0029), whereas patients diagnosed with dementia or MCI (n=35) showed no statistically significant changes (p=0.26489). Results suggest CCTP can be an effective intervention for psychogeriatric outpatients with mood disorders in preventing or slowing cognitive decline while addressing mood problems. However, non-significant results in dementia/MCI groups indicates the intervention alone may be insufficient to counteract neurodegenerative progressions. Potential limitations of the study include the small sample size, short intervention duration and variability in baseline cognitive levels.
