| Description |
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal cognition and dementia (Peterson, 2021). According to Peterson (2021), MCI refers to cognitive impairment, however it does not meet criteria for dementia, but is more than normal aging. Dementia is a condition that is characterized by a decline in cognition, motor deficits, and/or behavioral problems causing a disruption in activities of daily living (ADL) (Karssemeijer et al., 2017; Larson, 2021). While there are subtle changes in cognition as part of the normal aging process, MCI can be a precursor to the more debilitating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and/or dementia (Larson, 2021; Peterson, 2021). Anderson (2019), states that MCI affects 10-15% of the population over the age of 65. Of those, approximately one-third of these individuals go onto develop dementiarelated to AD within 5 years (Chandler et al., 2019). According to Peterson (2016), the annual rate of MCI further developing into AD varies between 8% and 15% per year. Although patients with MCI have early cognitive impairment concerns their functional capabilities typically remain fully intact. The retainment of overall global cognition and functional capacities offer MCI patients a unique ability to participate in patient-centered cognitive research as they can engage in informed healthcare decision making (Barrios et al., 2016). Researchers, clinicians, and treating providers consider MCI as a "window" in which certain interventions may possibly delay the progression from MCI to AD or dementia (Anderson, 2019). Early detection of MCI and interventions provided have shown to decrease the progression of MCI to AD or dementia (Anderson, 2019). A multicomponent intervention approach including physical exercise training, cognitive rehabilitation, and behavioral interventions may help preserve or even improve cognitive function in healthy aging adults (Chandler et al., 2019; Karssemeijer, 2017). The Mayo Clinic's Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking (HABIT) is a ten-day (fifty hour) program aimed at helping individuals with an MCI diagnosis and a caregiver/family member learn the best skills for maintaining independence and function (Chandler, 2017). The HABIT program focuses on five essential components: memory compensation training, cognitive exercise, yoga, behavioral changes to promote wellness, and support group participation (Chandler, 2017; Mayo Clinic, 2017).Our institution is collaborating with the Mayo Clinic to develop and implement a virtual version of the HABIT program due to the restrictions placed by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines. Additionally, Utah and its surrounding states are rural and with the current delivery of the HABIT program in-person participation would be required. Therefore, there is a need to develop a virtual platform to meet the needs of the rural surrounding population, as well. Our institution is piloting the virtual HABIT program to determine if this method of delivery is feasible, usable, and satisfactory for study participants and their support partner. Thus, our institution is developing materials into a virtual platform using Qualtrics with a plan to recruit four participants and their support partner in this study. |
