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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of the literature
D I Sitzer1, E W Twamley, D V Jeste
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
Objective:
To systematically review the literature and summarize the effect of cognitive training (CT) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients on multiple functional domains.
Method:
Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated for 17 controlled studies identified through a comprehensive literature review.
Results:
An overall effect size of 0.47 was observed for all CT strategies across all measured outcomes. Mean effect sizes were higher for restorative (0.54) than for compensatory (0.36) strategies. Domain-specific effect sizes ranged from 2.16 (verbal and visual learning) to -0.38 (visuospatial functioning). Data are also presented on the relative impact of restorative and compensatory strategies for each domain of functioning.
Conclusion:
CT evidenced promise in the treatment of AD, with primarily medium effect sizes for learning, memory, executive functioning, activities of daily living, general cognitive problems, depression, and self-rated general functioning. Restorative strategies demonstrated the greatest overall effect on functioning. Several limitations of the published literature are discussed.
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