Effectiveness of Computer-Based Interventions for Community-Dwelling People With Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses
BMC Geriatrics
Zuschnegg, J., Schoberer, D., et al. (2023).
BMC Geriatrics, 23(1), 229.
This meta-analysis investigates the effect of computer-based cognitive interventions on preserving or improving cognition in adults with self-perceived cognitive decline, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment.
Austrian Research Promotion Agency; Austrian Ministry for Transport; MultimodAAL (Austria)
Database inception through April 2020
Randomized controlled trials
24
For individuals with mild cognitive impairment, computer-based cognitive interventions yielded significant effects on overall memory [g = 1.13 (95% CI = 0.01 - 2.25); p<0.001], working memory [g = 0.86 (95% CI = 0.25 - 1.57), p = 0.15], executive functioning [g = 0.96 (95% CI = 0.21 - 1.71); p = 0.019], as well as attention and processing speed [g = 0.62 (95% CI = 0.21 - 1.02); p = 0.007]. No significant effects were noted for global cognition or language. Confidence in the findings was limited due to substantial heterogeneity across the included studies. A single study investigating individuals with subjective cognitive decline reported significant results for memory outcomes.
For individuals with dementia, computer-based cognitive interventions had no significant effect on any of the targeted domains including cognition, memory, working memory, attention or processing speed, or executive functioning.
