Cognitive Digital Intervention for Older Patients with Parkinson’s Disease during COVID-19: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study

Sara Santini, Margherita Rampioni, Vera Stara (), Mirko Di Rosa, Lucia Paciaroni, Susy Paolini, Simona Fioretti, Silvia Valenza, Giovanni Renato Riccardi and Giuseppe Pelliccioni
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Sara Santini: Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
Margherita Rampioni: Model of Care and New Technologies, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
Vera Stara: Model of Care and New Technologies, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
Mirko Di Rosa: Laboratory of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
Lucia Paciaroni: Neurology Department, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Susy Paolini: Neurology Department, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Simona Fioretti: Neurology Department, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Silvia Valenza: Neurology Department, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Giovanni Renato Riccardi: Clinical Unit of Physical Rehabilitation, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Giuseppe Pelliccioni: Neurology Department, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via della Montagnola 81, 60100 Ancona, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 22, 1-15

Abstract: Mild cognitive impairment is frequent among people with Parkinson’s disease. Cognitive training seems effective for cognitive status and for mitigating anxiety and depression. With the COVID-19 outbreak, such therapeutic interventions were delivered online. This longitudinal mixed-method study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an online cognitive treatment, carried out during COVID times and based on Parkinson’s-Adapted Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, on cognitive domains and mood of 18 older people with Parkinson’s disease. After screening, the cognitive status and mood were assessed three times by Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. At the follow-up, patients were also interviewed for understanding their experience with the technology. Such treatment was effective on the participants’ cognitive functions, but not on their mood. Despite some initial problems with the technology, the online intervention was experienced as a way of not being ‘left behind’, staying in contact with others, and being safe during the lockdown. This suggests that online cognitive treatment can be adopted to integrate face-to-face interventions by increasing their efficacy, accessibility, and long-term outcomes. Suggestions for future research are given.

Keywords: parkinson’s disease; cognition; mild cognitive impairment; dementia; neuropsychological test; COVID-19; cognitive telerehabilitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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