Multidimensional stimulation in older adults with minor neurocognitive disorder: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Minor neurocognitive disorder requires non-pharmacological interventions such as multidimensional stimulation.

Objective: To assess cognitive function and quality of life in older adults with minor neurocognitive disorder following a multidimensional stimulation exercise program.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-intervention study without a control group was conducted at the Güines Daycare Center for Older Adults. An intentional sample of 42 older adults was selected. A multidimensional stimulation exercise program was applied for 24 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and quality of life using the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire, both at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Analysis included Student's t-test for related samples, McNemar's test, effect size calculation (Cohen's d), and exploratory post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction.

Results: Mean age was 78.5 years (SD=6.2). Mean MMSE score increased from 21.4 (SD=2.8) to 25.1 (SD=3.1) (p<0.001; 95% CI difference: 2.8-4.6; d=1.29). Fourteen participants (33.3%) improved their MMSE classification (p=0.008). Global quality of life score (WHOQOL-OLD) improved from 58.4 (SD=8.2) to 67.1 (SD=9.3) (p<0.001; 95% CI difference: 6.4-11.0; d=1.02), with improvements across all facets. Post-hoc analysis showed a trend toward greater cognitive improvement in participants with higher educational level (adjusted p=0.024).

Conclusions: Multidimensional stimulation was associated with improvements in cognitive performance and quality of life in older adults with minor neurocognitive disorder. Participants with higher educational level showed a trend toward better response. These findings are preliminary due to the absence of a control group.