# Effects of workbook training using editorials and newspaper articles in adults with preclinical stage of dementia

## TL;DR

This study shows that a workbook training using editorials and newspaper articles improves word retrieval and communication in adults with early signs of dementia.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel 'Fill-in-the-blanks' training method using mass communication content for preclinical dementia intervention.

## Key findings

- The intervention significantly improved confrontation naming, semantic fluency, and phonemic fluency.
- Participants in the intervention group reported high satisfaction with the training.
- The training shows potential as a clinical tool to prevent dementia progression.

## Abstract

Early detection and intervention in individuals in the pre-clinical stage of dementia are crucial. This study aimed to examine whether there are significant differences in (1) word retrieval, (2) subjective communication ability, (3) intervention satisfaction through the 'Fill-in-the-blanks in editorial and newspaper articles' training in patients with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment corresponding to the pre-clinical stage of dementia. Ninety-nine patients (50 in the intervention group and 49 in the control group) aged 50–84 years were administered pre- and post-test after 6 weeks of intervention (30 sessions). Regarding word retrieval, there were significant intervention effects on confrontation naming, semantic fluency, and phonemic fluency. The majority of participants in the intervention group were highly satisfied with the training. In terms of intervention satisfaction, the majority of the participants in the intervention group showed high satisfaction with all the questions. This result confirmed the improvement of word retrieval ability through mass communication content-based 'Fill-in-the-blanks' training, and ultimately helps to provide a clinical basis for applying this intervention to prevent dementia.