MAXCOG - Maximizing Cognition: a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation for people with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer Disease

<p><strong>Objectives:</strong> To review the efficacy of a home-based four-session individualized face-to-face cognitive rehabilitation (MAXCOG) intervention for clients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia and their close supporters.</p> <p><strong>Design:</strong> Randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention group (MAXCOG) with treatment as usual (control).</p> <p><strong>Participants:</strong> A total of 55 client–supporter dyads were enrolled in the study and 40 completed; 25 client–supporter dyads completed MAXCOG and 15 completed treatment as usual. Both MAXCOG and control groups included more MCI cases than dementia (22 versus 3 and 12 versus 3, respectively).</p> <p><strong>Intervention:</strong> Four weekly individual sessions of MAXCOG consisting of personalized interventions to address individually relevant goals, supported by the provision of the MAXCOG information resource.</p> <p><strong>Measures:</strong> The primary outcomes were goal performance and satisfaction, assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Questionnaires assessing mood, illness adjustment, quality of life, and carer burden were also administered.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The intervention group displayed significantly higher performance and satisfaction with primary goals on the COPM post-intervention than the control group, using a per-protocol analysis.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The MAXCOG intervention is effective in improving goal performance and satisfaction in clients with MCI and early dementia.</p>