OBJECTIVE: To explore the benefits of a multi-component cognitive rehabilitation programme in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Patients with MCI (n = 18) and patients with mild dementia in Alzheimer's disease (n = 10) participated in a 4-week cognitive rehabilitation programme in a day clinic setting. The intervention was provided in group format and included activity planning, self-assertiveness training, relaxation techniques, stress management, use of external memory aids, memory training, and motor exercise. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, MCI patients showed significant improvements on activities of daily living, mood, verbal and nonverbal episodic memory. In contrast, patients with mild dementia exhibited a non-significant increase in verbal memory but no other changes. MCI subjects allocated to the waiting list control condition (n = 12) showed a significant re-test effect on verbal episodic memory, but no improvement of everyday activities or mood. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that patients with MCI benefit from a multi-component cognitive rehabilitation programme with regard to activities of daily living, mood, and memory performance. (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.