Exploring the impact of a novel psycho-educational course for individuals with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and their friends and relatives

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive loss. Following diagnosis, individuals may experience emotional difficulties and uncertainty. Certain health behaviour changes may prevent an MCI from developing to a dementia. Despite this, individuals are often discharged following diagnosis without specific practical or emotional support. Aim: This service evaluation aimed to explore whether attending a psychoeducational ‘Life with a Mild Cognitive Impairment’ course has a positive impact on the quality of life of individuals with an MCI and their friends and relatives. Method: Data was collected for 28 service users and 21 friends or relatives who attended the course. The Mild Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire (MCQ) was used to assess practical and emotional concerns of attendees before and after attending the course. Attendees were also asked to complete a written feedback form following the course. Results: Average scores on both practical and emotional concerns significantly reduced in individuals with an MCI and their friends and relatives following the course. Feedback suggested that attendees gained knowledge about MCI and found the pacing and delivery of the information suitable. Themes emerging from this data also suggested that attendees valued meeting others with an MCI and had a positive experience of course facilitators. Conclusions: These results suggest that attending a psychoeducational MCI course positively impacts the quality of life of individuals and their friends and relatives following an MCI diagnosis. Psychoeducational MCI courses could be a cost-effective solution for the current gap in memory service provision.