Authors

  1. Kounti, Fotini MSc, PhD
  2. Bakoglidou, Evaggelia PT
  3. Agogiatou, Christina
  4. Lombardo, Nancy B. Emerson PhD
  5. Serper, Lynn Lazarus EdD
  6. Tsolaki, Magda MD, PhD

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of RHEA, a cognitive training through kinetic exercises, on patients with mild cognitive impairment.

 

Subjects and Method: Participants, completing study, were 58 mild cognitive impairment patients with MMSE = 27.69, assigned to 2 groups of 29 each (experimental, 20-weekly RHEA sessions, and no-therapy control), matched for age, gender, education, cholinesterase inhibitors, cognitive abilities. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline and after 5 months.

 

Results: Between groups difference to the benefit of the experimental group were demonstrated in attention (P = .002), language (P = .015), visual-spatial abilities (P = .013), MMSE (P = .047), and daily function (P = .009). Experimental participants improved cognitive and functional performances while control participants remained stable.