| Description |
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a decline in cognitive function beyond normal aging that is less debilitating than dementia and does not yet significantly impair daily function (Jongsiriyanyong & Limpawattana, 2018; Sanford, 2017). Dementia occurs when there is both cognitive impairment and functional impairment and can eventually develop in individuals with MCI (Barrios et al., 2016; Chandler et al., 2019; Jongsiriyanyong & Limpawattana, 2018). Chandler et al. (2019), explain that MCI affects about 15% to 20% of people 65 years or older, approximately one-third of whom will develop AD related dementia within 5 years of MCI diagnosis. Given that patients with MCI retain their global cognition and functional capacities, they are in a unique position to participate in patient-centered cognitive research because they can engage in informed health-care decision making and voice their health care preferences (Barrios et al., 2016; Smith et al., 2018). Early diagnosis of MCI and implementation of interventions can potentially delay or prevent the progression to dementia (Sanford, 2017). Multicomponent behavioral health interventions like cognitive rehabilitation and physical exercise training have been shown to improve self-efficacy and mood in individuals with MCI as well as improve mood in their support partners (Chandler et al., 2019). These programs and are becoming increasingly supported in dementia prevention initiatives. The Mayo Clinic has developed a 10-day (50 hour) multi-component program for individuals with MCI and their support partners aimed at promoting the highest level of independence and function (Mayo Clinic, 2017). It is called the HABIT program, which stands for Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking and is comprised of five essential 3components (Mayo Clinic, 2017). These components are individual memory compensation training, group supportive therapy, yoga, brain fitness, and wellness education. Utah and the surrounding states are rural and the HABIT program in its current delivery requires in person participation for 10 days. Therefore, there is a need to develop a virtual program to meet the needs of our rural population.Through collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, our institution will develop a virtually delivered version of the HABIT program and determine if this method of delivery is feasible, usable, and satisfactory to participants. The Mayo Clinic HABIT program materials are currently being adapted to a virtual platform using Qualtrics with a plan to initiate a virtual pilot HABIT program by May. |
