The Effect of Cognitive Training in a Day Care Center in Patients with Early Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cognitive training programs on the progression of dementia in patients with early stage Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) at the day care center. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2018, a total of 119 patients with early ADD were evaluated. All subjects were classified into two groups according to participate in cognitive training program in addition to usual standard clinical care. Changes in scores for minimental status examination-dementia screening (MMSE-DS) and clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes (CDR-SOB) during the 12 months were compared between two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: As compared to case-subjects (n=43), the MMSE-DS and CDR-SOB scores were significantly worse at 12 months in the control-subjects (n=76). A statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed due to changes in MMSE-DS (p=0.012) and CDR-SOB (p<0.001) scores. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the cognitive training program (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.225, 0.070–0.725) was independently associated with less progression of ADD. CONCLUSION: The cognitive training program was associated with benefits in maintaining cognitive function for patients with early-stage ADD that were receiving medical treatment.