Experiences of Videoconference-Based Caregiver-Assisted Cognitive Training for Persons With Mild Dementia: A Qualitative Study on Participants, Caregivers, and Facilitators

Caregiver-assisted cognitive training (CA-CT) delivered through videoconferencing presents a promising strategy for individuals with mild dementia. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of persons with mild dementia, their caregivers, and professional trainers with a videoconference-based CA-CT program. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five individuals with mild dementia, their five family caregivers, and four professional trainers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via inductive content analysis. Five themes emerged: (1) feedback on training scheme and delivery format, (2) transformation of caregiver roles and interaction patterns, (3) factors supporting cognitive training for persons with mild dementia, (4) benefits of training for persons with mild dementia, and (5) challenges influencing training efficacy for persons with mild dementia. The persons with mild dementia-caregiver dyads were generally satisfied with the training scheme and online training format, but older caregivers faced technological barriers. Caregivers served as supervisors, facilitators, and emotional supporters, leading to positive shifts in their attitudes, enhanced empowerment, and strengthened dyadic relationships. Emotional bonding and personalized care, along with emotional support and external supervision from trainers, facilitated the training of persons with mild dementia. Benefits for these individuals included improved cognitive engagement, task performance, mood, self-confidence, and cognitive function in daily life. However, training efficacy was affected by difficulties in task customization, low interest in certain tasks, and caregiver emotional and time burden. In conclusion, the CA-CT program was acceptable and beneficial, but technical barriers, personalizing tasks, and supporting caregivers must be addressed for optimization. Future interventions should incorporate personalized task design, multimodal technological support, and a hybrid approach to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of the interventions.