Perfetti method: a sustainable approach to cognitive and functional enhancement in intellectual disabilities

Background: As for the functional and cognitive capacities of people with intellectual disabilities, there has been evidence of a deficit in activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, moving around, walking, going up and down steps. And as for the cognitive area, functions such as visuospatial, attention, memory, concentration and language were evaluated. A correct treatment has not been given to these areas so they cannot develop a better quality of life. Objective: To apply the Perfetti Method for functional and cognitive abilities improvement in patients with intellectual disabilities. Methods: The research is an observational study with a quantitative approach and with 20 participants. An initial assessment was made and after 12 weeks of intervention with the Perfetti Method a final assessment was carried out. Sociodemographic characteristics, Barthel index assessment scales and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-Test were used. Results: After 12 weeks of applying the Perfetti Method Guide, it significantly improved functional and cognitive abilities and consequently the participants´ quality of life. The application of the T student test, for related samples, established a relation between the Barthel Index and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-test, with a significance of (p<0.001); Conclusions: The Application of the Perfetti Method is effective to improve the functional and cognitive capacities of people with intellectual disabilities and their quality of life.