Effects of a cognitive-enhancement group training program for a person with normal cognitive function

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research, two-group pre-posttest design to evaluate the effects of a cognitiveenhancement group training program for a person with normal cognitive function. The study aimed to compare cognitive performance scores between the experimental and control groups at baseline (pre-test) and following the experiment (post-test) over six months. The sample comprised individuals aged 50 years and older (with an emphasis on those aged 60 years and older) from nine areas within the comprehensive dementia care network. Participants were required to have normal cognitive function as assessed by the MoCA test, be free of anxiety and depression as assessed by the Thai Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Thai HADS), and voluntarily participate in the research. Those who failed to complete all five program sessions or withdrew at any stage were excluded from the study.

A sample of 600 participants was selected via simple random sampling from nine study areas, comprising 313 in the experimental group (52.2%) and 287 in the control group (47.8%). Research instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Thai HADS, the MoCA, and the ADAS-modified: Thai version. The intervention program, designed to enhance cognitive capacity, consisted of five modules, targeting specific cognitive domains. Each module incorporated three core components: movement-based activities, cognitive stimulation exercises, and follow-up tasks. The program was delivered in five biweekly sessions, each lasting two hours. Data were analyzed using Independent Samples T-test to compare mean scores between the experimental group and the control group, and paired t-test to compare mean scores within the experimental and control groups.

Results showed that the program led to a short-term reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms in the experimental group. Cognitive performance tests using the MoCA test did not show a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05), suggesting the program may not have an effect on global cognitive function within the six-month timeframe. The ADAS-modified: Thai version indicated a significant decrease in word recall scores in the experimental group (p = 0.002), whereas the control group exhibited a slight increase (p = 0.037). In terms of executive function, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement (p = 0.001), indicating a positive program effect. Conversely, the control group showed a significant decline in attention scores (p < 0.001), potentially reflecting cognitive decline in the absence of intervention.

While the study results may not yet provide conclusive effect on maintaining cognitive function over the six months, the findings suggested potential benefits of the program in specific cognitive domains. Future research should extend the follow-up period to one to two years to assess the long-term effects of the program on cognitive function.