<![CDATA[Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia that carries a considerable annual risk of progression if left untreated, making early intervention particularly important for institutionalized older adults, who face a higher risk of cognitive decline due to limited activity. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (GCST) on cognitive function among older adults with MCI in nursing homes. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group was used, involving 60 older adults (30 intervention, 30 control) recruited through purposive sampling in nursing homes in Semarang between October and December 2024. The intervention group received GCST for 16 sessions over 8 weeks, while the control group continued routine nursing home activities. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: Baseline MoCA scores were comparable between groups (21.3 ± 2.4 vs 21.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.728). After the intervention, the mean MoCA score increased to 25.1 ± 2.6 in the intervention group compared with 21.3 ± 2.3 in the control group, a mean difference of 3.8 points (95% CI 2.56-5.04; Cohen’s d = 1.55; p < 0.001). Conclusion: GCST produced a significant and substantial improvement in cognitive function among institutionalized older adults with MCI, supporting its consideration as a low-cost, non-pharmacological component of routine nursing home care, although confirmation through larger, multi-site randomized trials with longer follow-up remains warranted.]]>
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