Effect of Hand Exercises Training Program on Mild Cognitive Impairment among Community Dwelling Elderly

Abstract

Background & Aim: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a very early stage of cognitive decline in patients not yet exhibiting dementia and is an important predictive risk factor for dementia which needs attention to prevent and improve it before deterioration. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of hand exercises training program on mild cognitive impairment among community dwelling elderly. Methods & Materials: This randomized control trial study was conducted during 2022-2023 at Kafr Elhag Hassan, Sharkia governorate. Sample: The study sample composed of 80 elderly with MCI, purposively assigned according to study inclusion criteria, randomly assigned into two groups. The study group (n=40) received seven sessions and the control group (n=40) didn't receive any intervention. Tools: Four tools were used; Structure interview questionnaire, The Modified Mini- Mental State Test (3ms) (Arabic version) (pre- post), questionnaire to assess knowledge of hand exercises (pre – post), & observational questioner for doing hand exercises (pre – post). Results: The study findings showed statistically significant improvements in the study group’s MMSE score, hand exercises knowledge and practice post intervention compared to the control group Also, MMSE score of the study group after the intervention positively correlated to hand exercises knowledge (r = 0 .726), hand exercises practice (r = 0.756). Conclusion: The applied hand exercise program was effective and could be used to improve mild cognitive impairment among community dwelling elderly.