Background:

Cognitive stimulation programs in older adults seek cognitive and emotional improvements. The literature makes no reference to programs adapted according to cognitive and occupational levels in older adults with no cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of level-adapted cognitive stimulation intervention in older adults in terms of cognition and mood.

Methods:

Randomized clinical trial (CONSORT) at a health center, which included 201 participants ≥ 65 years (101 intervention and 100 control) evaluated immediately after the intervention, then at six months and finally at one year. The assessment instruments were the cognitive mini-exam (CME), the abbreviated Goldberg anxiety scale and the Yesavage geriatric depression scale (GDS-15). The intervention was carried out through a cognitive stimulation program with two cognitive levels according to CME (high: 32-35; low: 28-31) with ten sessions of 45 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-test.

Results:

The difference observed in the averages between control and intervention groups was statistically significant in the three assessments; these differences were observed regardless of gender, age, cognitive level, and mood. One year after the intervention, CME score reached an increase of 1.48 points in the in the high level group and 2.03 points in the low level. However, no significant differences in CME score were observed in any of the assessments for anxiety or depression.

Conclusion:

A cognitive stimulation program, cognitive level-adapted, has shown cognitive benefits in older adults without cognitive impairment living in the community, regardless of sex, age and educational level.