Multidimensional Rehabilitation Programs for Cognitive Impairment in Comorbid Outpatients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Motor rehabilitation alone: Participants will undergo motor training consisting of a walking session (20 minutes), balance exercises, postural control exercises, proprioceptive exercises, joint mobilization exercises, and muscle strengthening exercises for a total of 25 minutes. A muscle relaxation session will follow (45 minutes).

Motor rehabilitation and Cognitive rehabilitation (paper-based): Group 2 will perform motor training, with an analogous modality of Group 1 (45 minutes) and a standard cognitive intervention, with the execution of cognitive exercises in the domains of attention, memory, executive function, visuo-spatial abilities, space-time orientation, by paper-pencil support (45 minutes per day).

Motor rehabilitation and cognitive rehabilitation (digital-based): Group 3 will perform motor training, with an analogous modality of Group 1 (45 minutes) and a digital cognitive intervention, with the execution of cognitive exercises on attention, memory, executive functions, visual-spatial ability, space-time orientation, employing device support (tablet) with interactive exercises presented by specific software (VRRS Home tablet Khymeia Srl) (45 minutes).

Study summary

Dementias secondary to cerebrovascular diseases are of significant epidemiological and clinical relevance. As a result, the management of individuals with comorbid dementia should involve early diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient-centered care planning, both in specialist and in non-specialist settings. It is well known that physical exercise can improve various aspects of health, including resistance, balance, strength, and cognitive functions such as attention and executive performance. However, the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation is still not definitive and requires further clarification. Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination of cognitive and motor training along with novel technological approaches has the potential to maintain or improve compromised cognitive function more effectively compared to a single intervention. A multidomain intervention could enhance cognitive functioning in elderly individuals with multiple morbidities. In the present study, patients with early neurocognitive impairment based on a vascular disorder or due to multiple etiologies, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, will be screened in an outpatient multidisciplinary setting and subsequently undergo different models of rehabilitation training.

Primary aim of this study:

\- Assess the effectiveness of different rehabilitation protocols for improving cognitive functions in patients with comorbid cognitive impairment. Specifically, the investigators will test the effectiveness of three rehabilitation protocols (digital-based cognitive rehabilitation combined with motor rehabilitation, paper-based cognitive rehabilitation combined with motor rehabilitation, and motor rehabilitation alone) by means of a set of multidimensional outcome measures.

Secondary aims:

\- evaluating the enhancement of cognitive performance using various cognitive questionnaires categorized by cognitive domains. Additionally, the investigators will examine multidimensional variables such as motor skills, mood and anxiety levels, quality of life, patient adherence to treatment, the role of communication in patient management, caregiver burden, and the usability of digital devices (when utilized).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Changes in cognitive performances — Evaluation performed at baseline (pre-intervention), post-intervention (after 8 weeks) and at follow up (after 3 months).
  Mini Mental State Examination (Foderaro, 2022; Carpinelli Mazzi, 2020). Evaluation of various cognitive domains by answering 30 items (spatial/temporal orientation, repetition and recall of three words, working memory - backward calculation and/or spelling -, sentence repetition, sentence writing, naming, three-step command execution, constructional praxis).

Trial sites (1)

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