Preliminary results on the efficacy of a neurocognitive training programme with multisensory integration in Major Neurocognitive Disorder

Neurocognitive training was associated with positive effects on global neurocognition in patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders (ND). However, despite evidence linking sensory deficits to neurocognitive dysfunction in the older population, no prior intervention has targeted neurocognition, including the sensation domain. To explore the efficacy of neurocognitive training with a multisensory integration (MI) component, a sample of 110 older adults was recruited from both daycare centers and nursing homes. Of these, 46 were diagnosed with mild to moderate Major ND and completed a neuropsychological assessment protocol at pre-, post-intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: NeuroRi, a hands-on neurocognitive training programme; NeuroRi with a MI component; NeuronUP a technology-based programme; and passive control group. All but the passive group completed two sessions per week with neurocognitive tasks for four months. Although this is a pilot study, the preliminary results suggest that combining NeuroRi with MI may offer potential benefits across several neurocognitive domains, including sensory-perceptual functioning in mild to moderate Major ND. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and the complex design of the study. This work provides recommendations for the neurocognitive intervention, from planning to assessing meaningful changes, while recognizing the limitations of the study and the need for further research to confirm these preliminary results.