Biography
Present job: Assistant lecturer of Geriatric Health, Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
Education:
- M. B. B. Ch., Bachelor Degree of Medicine and Surgery, Grade of Excellent with honor, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt (2007)
- M.P.H., Geriatric Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt, (2013); Thesis title: “Insomnia among community dwelling elderly in Alexandria”
- Currently working on my doctorate degree in public health, high institute of public health, Alexandria University (starting from 2014)
Ashour, A.
Paper
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Elderly with Cognitive Impairment in Alexandria, Egypt: Controlled Clinical Trial
Objectives: Maintaining good cognitive health is a key element for successful aging. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has shown to have positive effect on cognitive function and quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate dementia. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of CST on elderly with cognitive impairment in Alexandria, Egypt.
Methods: Elderly living in geriatric homes, in the period from January to March 2017, were screened for cognitive impairment using mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Elderly who scored below 24 in MMSE were considered to have cognitive impairment. A 7 weeks controlled, single blind, trial was conducted on 52 elders with cognitive impairment who accepted to participate in the study. Half of them received CST; 2 sessions/week for 7 weeks compared to control group (n=26) who didn’t receive any interventions. The program was adapted to the Egyptian culture. The primary outcome measure was cognitive function measured by MMSE while secondary outcomes were depression, quality of life and activity of daily living measured using geriatric depression scale short form, quality of life – Alzheimer Disease and katz scale of activity of daily living respectively. Evaluation of the program was carried out twice; immediately after the program completion and three months later.
Results: When evaluating the program immediately, the intervention group showed a greater improvement in cognitive function compared to the control group
and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.00). Similarly, significant difference was found between the two groups on mood; (p= 0.032). Although, no significant changes were found in both quality of life and activity of daily living (p=0.146 &0.461 respectively). After three months, only significant difference was found regarding cognitive function and no significant differences emerged between the two groups for the other outcomes considered.
Conclusions: CST showed improved cognition and mood on elders with cognitive impairment, although, no effect on quality of life or activity of daily living was found. Further large randomized controlled trials with longer durations are recommended.
