Targeting cognitive function: Development of a cognitive training intervention for diabetes

• Published in: International journal of nursing practice Vol. 26; no. 5; pp. e12825 - n/a
• Main Authors: Cuevas, Heather E., Stuifbergen, Alexa K., Brown, Sharon A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cognitive development; Cognitive Dysfunction - therapy; Cognitive functioning; Cognitive impairment; Cognitive skills training; Cognitive strategies; cognitive training intervention; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - psychology; Diabetics; Efficacy; Feasibility; Feasibility Studies; feasibility study; Female; Humans; Intervention; Male; Middle Aged; nurse; Recruitment; Self Efficacy; self‐management; Stakeholders; type 2 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; nurse; feasibility study; type 2 diabetes; cognitive training intervention; self-management
• ISSN: 1322-7114; 1440-172X
• DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12825

Aim The aim of this project was to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a comprehensive cognitive training intervention to build self‐efficacy for implementation of cognitive strategies in people with diabetes. Background People with diabetes are at greater risk than the general population for developing cognitive dysfunction. Some attention has been paid to the effect of cognitive impairments on diabetes self‐management, but even when cognitive problems have been identified, few interventions have been tailored for those with diabetes. Methods The intervention combines in‐person classes and home‐based online computer training. Development, in 2017, included (a) adaptation of prior established, tested interventions; (b) interviews with stakeholders; and (c) integration of course content. Results Information provided by the stakeholders was used to modify an existing intervention to meet the needs of people with diabetes so that feasibility testing could occur. Despite initial difficulty with recruitment, the intervention was found to be feasible, and nineteen participants found it to be acceptable. Conclusion This comprehensive cognitive training intervention targeting type 2 diabetes and cognitive dysfunction demonstrates that existing interventions can be adapted for use with people with diabetes. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about the topic? People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk than the general population for developing cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, perceived cognitive problems are associated with worse glycaemic control. There is a lack of well‐established cognitive training interventions for people with diabetes. What this paper adds? This is the first description of a comprehensive cognitive training intervention designed for people with diabetes. Existing theory‐based interventions were easily tailored for people with type 2 diabetes. Participants demonstrated interest in learning more about cognitive health and ways to prevent or delay cognitive problems. The implications of this paper: Memory, Attention, and Problem‐Solving Skills for Diabetes is an intervention that can address both cognitive problems and diabetes self‐management. The inclusion of self‐management measures can help determine the effects of the intervention on everyday life.