Exploring Mild Cognitive Impairment and Cognitive Rehabilitation in a cohort from the Alzheimer Center of the School of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires

Abstract Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that affects a growing number of individuals worldwide, representing a transition between normal aging and dementia. As the world’s population ages, understanding and addressing MCI becomes increasingly crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. Method 15 participants (13 women and 2 men) with MCI with an MMSE score of 24/30 were included in a cognitive rehabilitation workshop. The workshop was held during the year 2023, with a frequency of twice a week. A neuropsychological battery was applied to each participant at the beginning and at the end of the workshop with the following tests: semantic and phonological verbal fluency, Trail A and B tasks, Boston test, Digit‐symbol test and the Rey’s verbal test. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Katz and Lawton and Brody scales were also administered to evaluate activities of daily and instrumental living. Result 73% of patients showed an improvement in MMSE scores. They also showed similar but significantly better performance in the neuropsychological tests administered. 66% showed a reduction in abnormally high Beck Depression Inventory scores, while activities of daily living and instrumental living improved. Conclusion Early and group intervention can help mitigate the effects of MCI and promote healthy cognitive aging by improving sociability, mood, and quality of life.