Effectiveness of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy Interventions in Middle-Aged and Older People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
2024

Effectiveness of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Sample size: 620 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Vásquez-Carrasco Edgar, Huenchuquen Camila, Ferrón Catalina, Hernandez-Martinez Jordan, Landim Síbila Floriano, Helbig Fabiola, Carmine Florencia, Valdés-Badilla Pablo, Sandoval Cristian, Gómez Celia Sánchez, Moruno-Miralles Pedro

Primary Institution: School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Talca, Talca, Chile

Hypothesis

Can leisure-focused occupational therapy interventions improve activities of daily living and cognitive function in middle-aged and older people with mild cognitive impairment?

Conclusion

Occupational therapy interventions did not significantly improve cognitive function or activities of daily living in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Three studies indicated that leisure activities can delay the onset of dementia.
  • Individual studies reported varied results on activities of daily living among people with mild cognitive impairment.
  • Interventions combining cognitive and physical activities showed potential benefits.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether fun activities can help older people with memory problems do daily tasks better. It found that these activities didn't really help much.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 7 studies with a total of 620 participants.

Potential Biases

Six studies had a low risk of bias, while one had a high risk.

Limitations

The study faced limitations such as variability in intervention types and lack of significant improvements in cognitive function based on MMSE results.

Participant Demographics

The sample consisted of 620 middle-aged and older individuals, with 44.9% being female and a mean age of 77.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p > 0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI = −0.07 to 0.34

Statistical Significance

p > 0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/healthcare12242521

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