A randomized control trial of a behavioral intervention for older adults with subjective cognitive complaints that combines cognitive rehabilitation strategies and lifestyle modifications.

This study examined the effectiveness of a 10-week cognitive rehabilitation and lifestyle modifying intervention that integrated compensation strategies, engagement in brain activities, and improving everyday function. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03549078). Older adults with subjective cognitive concerns and normal performance on a cognitive screener were randomized into the intervention (n = 28) or waitlist control (n = 29) groups. The total sample comprised 57 individuals (age, mean = 74.8, SD = 6.5), mostly female (80.4% of the total sample), and well educated (education years: mean = 15.9, SD = 2.1). Outcome measures were completed at baseline, and immediately and 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Intervention participants reported significant improvements in aspects of everyday functioning and select compensation strategies and brain health activities. Increased compensation strategy use was maintained at 6-month follow up. This intervention has benefits for improving everyday functioning and increasing engagement with compensation strategies and brain health activities.

The Measurement of Everyday Cognition (ECog): Revisions and Updates.

INTRODUCTION: The Everyday Cognition scale (ECog), a measure of everyday functioning developed in 2008, is sensitive to early detection and progression of neurodegenerative disease. The goal was to update ECog item content to ensure relevancy to contemporary older adults from diverse backgrounds. METHODS: Participants included 44 culturally diverse older adults (18 with normal cognition, 11 with mild cognitive impairment) and their study partners. Item understandability and relevance was evaluated using iterative interviewing methods that were analyzed using standard qualitative methods. On the basis of this information, items were modified, deleted, or developed as needed. RESULTS: Of the 39 original items, 19 were revised, 3 new items were added (primarily to cover contemporary activities such as the use of technology), and 1 was deleted. The revised version (ECog-II) includes 41 items. DISCUSSION: To ensure strong psychometric properties, and to facilitate harmonization of previously collected data, we preserved well over half of the items. Future work will validate the revised ECog by measuring associations with neuropsychological performance, external measures of disease, and other functional measures. Overall, the revised ECog will continue to be a useful tool for measuring cognitively relevant everyday abilities in clinical settings and intervention clinical trials.