Doctor, Should I Use Computer Games to Prevent Dementia?
Clinical Gerontologist
O'Shea, D. M., De Wit, L., et al. (2019).
Clinical Gerontologist, 42(1), 3-16.
This systematic review investigates the effect on computerized cognitive training interventions on cognitive functioning for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
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Published review articles
11 review articles including 15 unique studies
<div>Findings demonstrated significant improvements in visual and/or verbal episodic memory following computer-based cognitive training for adults with MCI with mixed results regarding the maintenance of these gains. Significant improvements were additionally noted in other cognitive domains (e.g. global cognition, processing speed, abstract reasoning). Limited support was reported for improvements in non-cognitive outcomes such as depression, anxiety, mood , and functional independence. No statistically significant difference was noted in outcomes for commercially available and non-commercial programs, despite the commercially available programs having significantly greater durations of treatment (i.e. 1881 minutes versus 720 minutes). Limitations to this review included heterogeneity between studies and a limited number of studies with small sample sizes. Further research is indicated.</div>
