Semantic clustering and memory in the everyday problem‐solving of mild cognitive impairment subtypes

Introduction Individuals with cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls associated with decreased executive function and balance. This pilot study investigated whether functional task exercise could improve executive function, which might further affect the functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Method This was a single-group pre-test/post-test pilot. A total of 43 participants completed a 10-week structured functional task exercise programme, performing simulated functional tasks. Paired-samples t-test was performed to evaluate intervention effects. Associations between variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the contribution of cognitive variables to functional balance. Results Significant improvements were shown in general cognitive functions, executive function, functional balance and functional status. All executive function outcomes were significantly associated with functional balance. Everyday problem-solving ability was the only significant cognitive contributor ( β = 0.407, p < 0.05) to functional balance after controlling for the confounding factors. Conclusion This pilot showed functional task exercise using simulated functional task as a means of intervention was feasible and was associated with observed improvements in executive function and functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, whereas everyday problem-solving ability was found to be associated with functional balance. Further well-designed controlled studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions.

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Indicators of transformational leadership in the everyday problem solving of school administrators

Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education ◽

10.1007/bf00125486 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 221-244 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Kenneth Leithwood ◽

Rosanne Steinbach

Keyword(s):

Transformational Leadership ◽

Problem Solving ◽

School Administrators ◽

The Everyday ◽

Everyday Problem Solving ◽

Everyday Problem

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A-08 Predictors of Everyday Problem Solving in Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa068.08 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 798-798

Author(s):

Moreno J ◽

Olmos W ◽

Simons J ◽

Nayares C ◽

Alving L ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Delayed Recall ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Immediate Memory ◽

Amnestic Mci ◽

Everyday Problem Solving ◽

Everyday Problem

Abstract Objective The Everyday Problems Test (EPT) evaluates problem solving ability needed to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as medication and financial management. This study assessed the contributions of executive functioning and subtypes of memory on everyday problem solving in healthy aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and non-amnestic MCI. Method Participants included healthy older adults (n = 56) and individuals with MCI (amnestic MCI n = 25; non-amnestic MCI n = 36). Composite scores were derived for Executive Functioning (Trail Making Test-B and FAS), Immediate Memory (short delayed recall scores from the California Verbal Learning Test-II and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised) and Delayed Memory (long delayed recall scores from both memory tests). The EPT was the measure of everyday problem solving. Results We found that for the control group and the entire MCI group (both amnestic and non-amnestic MCI), executive functioning, immediate memory, and delayed memory predicted problem solving. When examining the separate MCI subtypes, executive functioning and delayed memory predicted problem solving in non-amnestic-MCI, but not amnestic MCI. Conclusions Findings suggest that healthy older adults engage a range of cognitive skills (executive and memory skills) when they engage in everyday problem-solving. Executive and memory skills are also utilized for those with non-amnestic MCI when performing ADLs. Interestingly, in those exhibiting memory impairment and with increased risk for the Alzheimer’s type of dementia, memory and executive functions do not predict ADL problem solving. These findings indicate that people with amnestic-MCI may benefit from being given compensatory strategies to support their memory difficulties when they must perform everyday problem-solving.

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