"Evaluating the Effectiveness of Theory of Mind Training for Older Adults with and without Cognitive Impairments in Lebanese Nursing Homes: A Pilot Study"

This pilot study assesses the impact of Theory of Mind (ToM) interventions on residents with and without cognitive impairment in Lebanese nursing homes. The sample comprised 16 participants aged 50 years and older, with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores classifying them into different levels of cognitive functioning. All participants initially completed a pre-test assessment in which their ToM capacities were assessed with the use of silent films and strange stories. After this, participants attended ToM training in eight sessions over the course of four weeks, with 2 sessions each week. Post-tests included the use of different strange stories and the silent film task to assess any changes in ToM abilities. The results show that participants with MMSE scores greater than 18 improved in ToM skills, illustrating that this form of training would be more effective for those with mild to moderate cognitive impairments. On the contrary, participants with severe impairments demonstrated little to no improvement, indicating the effectiveness of cognitive training programs with respect to individual needs. The results of the study support the effectiveness of ToM training as an intervention aimed at improving social cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.