Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Evaluating a new treatment pathway for service users and carers

Abstract

The prevalence of MCI is increasing in older adults; living with MCI not only negatively affects older people’s daily living and quality of life, but also increases the likelihood of developing dementia in the future. However, not all individuals will progress to dementia, which highlights the importance of developing preventative strategies and appropriate interventions to delay the onset of dementia. Given the current emphasis across the healthcare system on the need for psychosocial interventions that reduce the risk of dementia, the Specialist Dementia and Frailty Service (SDFS) in West Essex has launched a new MCI pathway, which runs as a pilot for one year to offer support for individuals with MCI and their caregivers. The current service evaluation aims to evaluate older people’s and their carers’ experiences of receiving a diagnosis in conjunction with exploring ideas about what they would find helpful in terms of post diagnostic support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users and their carers over the telephone. Service users had received an MCI diagnosis and were either awaiting an intervention from the pathway or had received some form of post diagnostic support. Data was collected through an interview schedule and analysed using thematic analysis (TA). Themes highlighted the varying emotional experiences of receiving the diagnosis, the confusing and ambiguous process of MCI, the helpful and less helpful aspects of the support received, and ideas for future support. Findings from the service evaluation fit with the wider MCI literature and research. Some implications for the memory service are discussed, including individualised support, peer support, additional regular check ins and follow ups from the service, and support for carers.