AI-Supported Cognitive Rehabilitation for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background and Rationale:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia and is associated with elevated risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Individuals with MCI frequently report functional challenges, reduced confidence, and increased risk of mood symptoms. Although cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation interventions have demonstrated benefit, traditional models are resource-intensive and limited in frequency, personalization, and scalability.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) allow delivery of adaptive, conversational, and personalized cognitive exercises at high frequency. However, AI-only approaches may lack the contextualization, goal-setting support, and therapeutic oversight provided by trained clinicians. A blended care model integrating AI-guided cognitive exercises with clinician-delivered telehealth rehabilitation may provide both scalability and clinical depth. This study evaluates the safety, engagement, and clinical efficacy of such an integrated model.

Study Design:

This is a prospective, randomized parallel controlled trial conducted within Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Participants diagnosed with MCI through an existing cognitive assessment research program will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to:

• AI-supported cognitive rehabilitation
• Usual care alone

The intervention period is 12 months, with primary outcome assessment at 6 months and follow-up through 12 months.

Intervention:

Participants randomized to the intervention will receive a structured cognitive rehabilitation program consisting of two integrated components:

• Clinician-Delivered Telehealth Rehabilitation Licensed clinical social workers trained in cognitive rehabilitation will deliver goal-directed sessions via telehealth every two weeks for the first six months and monthly for the remaining six months. Sessions are delivered within a reablement framework and may incorporate cognitive rehabilitation techniques, behavioral activation, compensatory strategy training, and elements of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, tailored to individual patient needs.
• AI-Guided Cognitive Sessions Participants will engage in daily AI-powered conversational sessions (approximately 10-30 minutes per session). These sessions provide structured cognitive stimulation, cognitive training exercises, and psychoeducation. Content delivery is guided by algorithms that adapt based on participant interaction patterns and clinician input. The AI system is not intended for diagnostic or autonomous clinical decision-making.

Participants randomized to usual care will continue to receive standard health plan services and complete study assessments at scheduled time points. They will be offered the cognitive rehabilitation program at the end of the study if the intervention is determined to be safe and efficacious.

Safety Oversight and Risk Monitoring:

Given the use of AI-based conversational technology in a cognitively vulnerable population, safety monitoring procedures are integrated at multiple levels:

• Licensed clinicians monitor participant progress and well-being throughout the intervention period.
• AI interactions are reviewed for safety concerns, including indicators of psychological distress.
• Predefined escalation procedures are in place for emergent behavioral health risk, including referral to appropriate clinical services and crisis resources.
• Technical concerns or adverse events are tracked and reviewed by the study team.
• The principal investigator oversees participant safety and protocol adherence in accordance with IRB and Good Clinical Practice standards.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 65 years or older
• Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-BLIND adjusted score (13-18)
• Able to provide informed consent
• English fluency sufficient to complete study assessments and participate in intervention sessions
• Access to and ability to use a computer or mobile device with internet connectivity

Exclusion criteria

• Current receipt of ongoing behavioral health treatment or psychotherapy from a Kaiser Permanente clinician
• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, or other serious mental illness that would interfere with participation
• Significant communication impairment that would prevent participation in conversational or telehealth sessions