Feasibility of Telehealth Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Difficulties

Abstract Objective: Older adults (OA) experiencing mild cognitive difficulties (MCD) may benefit from compensatory cognitive training (CCT) to address cognitive changes. CCT is typically delivered in person, which was not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of a telehealth CCT program among OA with MCD. Method: Adults age 55+ with documented MCD (n = 28) and an optional care partner (CP; n = 18) were recruited for video-chat delivery of a 6-week, motivationally-enhanced CCT program. Participants and CPs rated technological interference following sessions on a 0 to 100 scale (higher scores = less interference), as did clinicians. Participants and CPs also provided feedback on the benefits and drawbacks of telehealth. Feasibility was assessed by tracking enrollment and completion rates, session ratings, and qualitative feedback. Results: Of 78 potential participants, only 6% declined participation due to telehealth delivery. Eighty-six percent of participants (N = 24/28) completed the program, and no dropouts were due to telehealth. Participants (M = 81.32, SD = 25.61) and clinicians (M = 76.24, SD = 33.37) rated technological interference as occurring infrequently, though 4% of sessions were rescheduled due to technological problems. Qualitative feedback highlighted the convenience of telehealth and the drawback of mild frustration while navigating technical interference. Conclusion: Telehealth CCT was found to be feasible among OA with MCD and their CPs. Telehealth delivery was not a barrier to recruitment, enrollment, or completion of the program, and technological problems were mostly minor. The feasibility of telehealth CCT could increase access to underserved OA and, in turn, support early detection and intervention among an at-risk population.