A Novel Method of Teaching English to People with Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Songs: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

BACKGROUND: People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) need to prevent the further decline of their cognitive functions, and one way to do so is by learning a foreign language. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the development of a protocol for a novel, non-pharmacological intervention for people with MCI that seeks to prevent or reduce cognitive decline by teaching English through songs. METHODS: The development of this protocol follows a mixed-methodology approach, consisting of three stages: 1) development of the protocol of the intervention, 2) a randomized controlled trial study with two arms over six months that includes an intervention group and a control group, and 3) the evaluation of the protocol by trainers. In the second stage, we recruited a total of 128 people with MCI from the five participating countries of this study (Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy). This educational program will assess three main outcomes after 6 months of the English Lessons with the Use of Songs for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (E.L.So.M.C.I.) workshops. RESULTS: Our primary outcome will hopefully be an improvement in general cognition in the intervention group compared to the control group from baseline to 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes include a decrease in participants’ anxiety and depression and an improvement in their quality of life. Development of English language skills is the last outcome.