Feasibility of a University-Community Collaborative Model for Cognitive Stimulation in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Keywords:
cognitive dysfunction; cognition; health of the elderly; community participationAbstract
Introduction: Cognitive impairment affects a significant proportion of older adults in rural areas, where access to preventive and cognitive stimulation interventions is often limited.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a university-community collaborative model for cognitive stimulation and to explore preliminary cognitive changes.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments was conducted among 30 rural older adults. Eight weekly sessions were delivered by medical faculty and students, complemented by community-based activities. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and changes were analyzed using paired t-tests.
Results: The intervention demonstrated high operational feasibility, with 100% retention, no adverse events, and good community acceptance. A modest increase in overall cognitive performance was observed (0.6 points; d = 0.20
Conclusions: The university-community model was feasible and acceptable in the rural setting studied. Controlled studies with larger samples are needed to confirm its effectiveness in improving cognitive outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sandra Quevedo Leyva, Myriam Lizeth Morales Pilataxi, Paola Vanessa Borja Cepeda , Debbie Lisset Avila Arostegui
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