Pythagorean self-awareness for stress management, memory improvement and sense of well-being in mild cognitive impairment: A pilot study

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Christina Darviri

University of Athens, Greece

: J Trauma Stress Disor Treat

Abstract

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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may signify the emergence of future neurodegenerative disease and dementia. Early detection of MCI might allow taking preventive measures and delay disease progression. Research on preventive measures for dementia is still in its infancy. As such, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a newly introduced program on cognitive function of patients with MCI. Samples of 36 patients with MCI were randomized to receive a 8-week intervention vs. usual care. The program called “Pythagorean Self-awareness for Stress Management, Memory Improvement and Sense of Well-being” was based on Pythagorean philosophy. This was an individually practiced, mental process (twice per day) which entailed three stages: sequential recall of daily events, primary contemplation on thoughts and emotions related to each event and the critical appraisal of the individual’s attitude. Measurements of cognitive function, stress, depression, anxiety and self-efficacy were performed using standardized questionnaires. Global cognitive function (Mini-Mental Status Examination test), memory (Five Word test), processing speed (Symbol Digit Modality test) and visuospatial memory (Brief Visuospatial Memory test) significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The effect sizes were large (effect size r>0.5). Significant improvements were also revealed for depression, stress, anxiety and selfefficacy (p<0.05, effect sizes >0.5). This study suggests that this program could enhance cognition and improve affect and self-efficacy in MCI patients. Future research should be performed to confirm these results and hopefully provide a novel non pharmacologic prevention tool in dementia.

Biography

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Christina Darviri is a Professor of Prevention and Health Promotion and since 2008, the Scientific Coordinator of the MSc entitle “The Science of Stress and Health Promotion” at the Medical School of the Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece. She lectures on stress related nosology, lifestyle and stress, efficient stress management and the connection between stress and health promotion overall. She has been the principal investigator of many research projects focusing mainly on healthy longevity and how life style impacts stress. Her last scientific novelty is as technique called “Pythagorean Self-awareness for Stress Management, Memory Improvement and Sense of Well-being”.

E-mail: cdarviri@yahoo.com