Cognitive Training Improves Ratio Processing and Decision Making in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by deficits in decision-making and ratio processing compared to healthy individuals.
• Understanding the impact of cognitive training on these specific impairments is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether cognitive training targeting number processing and executive functions can improve ratio processing and decision-making under risk in patients with MCI.
• To determine the differential effects of numerical versus executive function training on cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• A controlled cross-over study involving 23 patients with MCI.
• Participants underwent sequential one-week training blocks of either numerical training or executive functions training, or vice versa.
• Performance on decision-making (Game of Dice Task, Probability-Associated Gambling task) and ratio processing tasks was assessed before and after each training period.

Main Results:

• Numerical training significantly improved ratio processing abilities.
• Executive function training showed less clear-cut effects on decision-making under risk, with improvements observed in the Probability-Associated Gambling task but not the Game of Dice Task.
• Performance improvements on decision-making tasks were not solely attributable to one specific training type, suggesting a potential combined or synergistic effect.

Conclusions:

• Patients with mild cognitive impairment can benefit from targeted cognitive training programs.
• Improvements in ratio processing and decision-making under risk are achievable following number processing and executive function training.
• These findings align with current cognitive models and support the potential for cognitive interventions in MCI management.