Training Rehabilitation as an Effective Treatment for Patients With Vascular Cognitive Impairment With No Dementia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of cognitive training on the cognitive function of patients with vascular cognitive impairment with no dementia (VCIND).

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Method: Seventy-three cases of VCIND patients were used as subjects, of which 36 patients were subjected to routine care with systemic cognitive training and classified as the intervention group, whereas the other 37 patients were subjected to a routine care only and classified as the control group. Multidimensional neuropsychological assessments were performed 3 months before and after the intervention.

Findings: The patients' performance on functional tests was significantly improved after intervention (p < .05) except from Stroop Color-Word Test (p ≥ .05).

Conclusions: After systemic cognitive training, VCIND patients showed a significant improvement in visuospatial function, memory function, language function, and attention function, whereas their execution function was partially improved.

Clinical relevance: Despite the promising results, there is still a need to improve the support for patients affected by VCIND requiring rehabilitation.