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Updated: May 27, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Nonpharmacological therapies for behavioral and cognitive symptoms of mild cognitive impairment
1School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. ehahn@usf.edu
Objective:
Evaluate research on nonpharmacological treatments for symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Method:
We searched for relevant English-language articles published from 2000 to 2010 using PUBMED and PsycINFO. We included nonpharmacological interventions for treating cognitive and behavioral symptoms in persons with MCI other than cognitive/memory training, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Effect sizes and hazard ratios were calculated when possible.
Results:
Current research points to the potential influence of behavioral interventions on behavioral symptoms. Exercise/diet interventions may alleviate cognitive deficits, especially cognitive speed and executive functioning, but possibly not memory--a domain central to MCI. Results were limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous methodology, short follow-ups, and the limited number of published studies.
Discussion:
Behavioral, diet, and exercise regimens show some promise with respect to reducing behavioral and cognitive symptomology. Rigorous research studies are needed to create more certainty about their potential to complement drug and/or cognitive therapies.
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