Start Date
17-8-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
17-8-2018 11:30 AM
Abstract
Background: The aging U.S. population is expected to produce a significant increase in persons with progressive cognitive impairment or dementia. A method to prevent, halt, or slow this decline has yet to be found. Research suggests that a multidomain approach in the early stages of impairment, such as in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) should be investigated as an integrative strategy to prevent cognitive decline. Complementary and alternative therapies have the ability to be a part of an integrative approach to preventing cognitive decline.
Objectives: The purpose of study is to explore what research has been conducted regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies and their effect on cognitive function in older adults with MCI.
Methods: This integrative literature review utilized the Matrix Method by Judith Garrard (2017) to organize and synthesize the data. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete were searched using the following keyworks: MCI, cognition, memory, complementary and alternative therapies. 17 articles are included in this review.
Results: Modalities such as 100% Concord grape juice, calligraphy, green tea extract + L-theanine, Memo®, electroacupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, electroacupuncture, and traditional Chinese and Korean medicine show promise in improving cognition in MCI patients. Therapies, such as Gingko biloba and meditation were found to be not effective.
Conclusion: CAM therapies may be effective in preserving and enhancing cognitive in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, with the added advantage of being relatively safe. Further research is needed to assess for sustained effects, impact on quality of life and progression to dementia.
Keywords: alternative therapies, complementary therapies, mild cognitive impairment, cognition, memory
The Effects of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies on Cognition in Older Adults Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Integrative Literature Review
Background: The aging U.S. population is expected to produce a significant increase in persons with progressive cognitive impairment or dementia. A method to prevent, halt, or slow this decline has yet to be found. Research suggests that a multidomain approach in the early stages of impairment, such as in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) should be investigated as an integrative strategy to prevent cognitive decline. Complementary and alternative therapies have the ability to be a part of an integrative approach to preventing cognitive decline.
Objectives: The purpose of study is to explore what research has been conducted regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies and their effect on cognitive function in older adults with MCI.
Methods: This integrative literature review utilized the Matrix Method by Judith Garrard (2017) to organize and synthesize the data. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete were searched using the following keyworks: MCI, cognition, memory, complementary and alternative therapies. 17 articles are included in this review.
Results: Modalities such as 100% Concord grape juice, calligraphy, green tea extract + L-theanine, Memo®, electroacupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, electroacupuncture, and traditional Chinese and Korean medicine show promise in improving cognition in MCI patients. Therapies, such as Gingko biloba and meditation were found to be not effective.
Conclusion: CAM therapies may be effective in preserving and enhancing cognitive in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, with the added advantage of being relatively safe. Further research is needed to assess for sustained effects, impact on quality of life and progression to dementia.
Keywords: alternative therapies, complementary therapies, mild cognitive impairment, cognition, memory