Abstract
Background: Cognitive stimulation activities are a widely recognized non-pharmacological treatment for dementia, known to slow cognitive decline. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 led to the closure of day care centers and community facilities, halting these activities and increasing reliance on telemedicine and digital tools. In Taiwan, the use of digital technology to support family caregivers and improve outcomes for individuals with cognitive impairment remains under-researched.
Objective: This study aimed to develop an online case management system for family caregivers, focused on health education and promoting home-based cognitive stimulation activities for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study sought to verify whether the intervention could delay cognitive decline, reduce behavioral disturbances, and improve caregiver-recipient relationships.
Methods: A single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was implemented over four months. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The intervention involved online cognitive stimulation courses and educational videos, based on five key themes: (1) motivating participation, (2) designing cognitive activities, (3) preparing materials and environments, (4) improving caregiver-recipient relationships, and (5) communication strategies with MCI older adults. Twelve videos were delivered, with each session lasting 30 minutes, four times a week for four months.
Results: Caregivers watched the videos on average 1.02 times per week, with a mean viewing time of 573.17±386.87 seconds (approximately 3–16 minutes), and a completion rate of 70.39%. Hand massage and finger exercise videos had the highest viewing rate at 95.97%. Cognitive function in older adults improved significantly after the intervention (β = .64, p = .009), while relationships between caregivers and care recipients also improved (β=-7.16, p=.000 ; β = -6.04, p=.000).
Conclusion: The online cognitive stimulation activities helped maintain cognitive function in older adults with MCI and improved caregiver-care recipient relationships. The intervention is convenient for home use, supporting widespread adoption of home-based cognitive stimulation.
Notes
References:
Cravello, L., Martini, E., Viti, N., Campanello, C., Assogna, F., & Perotta, D. (2021). Effectiveness of a family support intervention on caregiving burden in family of elderly patients with Cognitive Decline after the COVID-19 lockdown. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.590104
Spector, A., Woods, B., & Orrell, M. (2008). Cognitive stimulation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 8(5), 751-757. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.8.5.751
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quasi-Experimental Study, Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Long-term Care, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Continuing Education, Dementia, Taiwan
Recommended Citation
Chang, Juiting; Hsu, WenChuin; Tsay, PeiKwei; and Chiu, Yi Chen, "Development of Online Caregiver Training for Cognitive Stimulation in Persons with Dementia" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 26.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/26
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Development of Online Caregiver Training for Cognitive Stimulation in Persons with Dementia
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Cognitive stimulation activities are a widely recognized non-pharmacological treatment for dementia, known to slow cognitive decline. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 led to the closure of day care centers and community facilities, halting these activities and increasing reliance on telemedicine and digital tools. In Taiwan, the use of digital technology to support family caregivers and improve outcomes for individuals with cognitive impairment remains under-researched.
Objective: This study aimed to develop an online case management system for family caregivers, focused on health education and promoting home-based cognitive stimulation activities for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study sought to verify whether the intervention could delay cognitive decline, reduce behavioral disturbances, and improve caregiver-recipient relationships.
Methods: A single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was implemented over four months. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The intervention involved online cognitive stimulation courses and educational videos, based on five key themes: (1) motivating participation, (2) designing cognitive activities, (3) preparing materials and environments, (4) improving caregiver-recipient relationships, and (5) communication strategies with MCI older adults. Twelve videos were delivered, with each session lasting 30 minutes, four times a week for four months.
Results: Caregivers watched the videos on average 1.02 times per week, with a mean viewing time of 573.17±386.87 seconds (approximately 3–16 minutes), and a completion rate of 70.39%. Hand massage and finger exercise videos had the highest viewing rate at 95.97%. Cognitive function in older adults improved significantly after the intervention (β = .64, p = .009), while relationships between caregivers and care recipients also improved (β=-7.16, p=.000 ; β = -6.04, p=.000).
Conclusion: The online cognitive stimulation activities helped maintain cognitive function in older adults with MCI and improved caregiver-care recipient relationships. The intervention is convenient for home use, supporting widespread adoption of home-based cognitive stimulation.
Description
Join us for an informative online session that equips family caregivers with practical strategies to implement cognitive stimulation activities for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will learn through engaging courses and educational videos, enhancing their skills to provide effective home-based support, ultimately improving cognitive health and strengthening relationships with their care recipients.