A Survey of Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Activities in Thai Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the characteristics of home-based activities in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia, as well as factors related with those activities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on patients with MCI and mild dementia at Siriraj Hospital. Data on patient and caregiver characteristics, home cognitive activities, and proficiency in using information technology (IT) devices and telecommunications applications were collected. Home activities were categorized into cognitive, physical, and religion-related activities based on their type and frequency. Results: Of 157 enrolled patients with a mean age of 76.2±7.9 years, 46.5% were diagnosed with MCI and 53.5% with mild dementia. The MCI group exhibited significantly higher frequencies of activities such as reading, writing, playing mobile games, texting, calculating, music listening, meditation, praying, almsgiving, doing chores, cooking, and gardening (all p<0.05). Approximately 51% of patients were able to use IT devices. MCI patients demonstrated greater proficiency in using smart IT devices and teleconferencing applications than those with mild dementia (79.5% vs. 26.2%, and 49.3% vs. 11.9%, both p<0.001). Cognitive activity scores were associated with age (r=-0.34, p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.16, p=0.04), educational attainment (r=0.38, p<0.001), IT device literacy (r=0.41, p<0.001), and proficiency in using telecommunications applications (r=0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: Thai patients with MCI and mild dementia engaged in limited home activities, particularly those with dementia. IT device literacy was surprisingly prevalent and contributed to higher cognitive activity scores. Developing home-based cognitive stimulation programs for Thai patients facing cognitive challenges utilizing telecommunication may be feasible.