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Computerised cognitive training for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in midlife
Nicola J Gates1, Anne Ws Rutjes, Marcello Di Nisio
1Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Suite 407 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|March 14, 2019
Summary
Computerised cognitive training (CCT) in midlife adults shows limited evidence of effectiveness. More high-quality studies are needed to determine if CCT can maintain cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Normal aging involves cognitive changes, but low cognitive reserve increases dementia risk.
- Early cognitive changes may predict future dementia, highlighting the importance of midlife interventions.
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities builds cognitive reserve and reduces dementia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of computerised cognitive training (CCT) interventions lasting at least 12 weeks.
- To assess CCT's impact on maintaining or improving cognitive function in healthy midlife adults.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases including ALOIS, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and clinical trial registries up to March 2018.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs involving cognitively healthy individuals aged 40-65.
- Data extraction and quality assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, with GRADE used for evidence quality.
Main Results:
- One study with 6742 participants over 50 years old was included, with a high risk of attrition bias and low overall evidence quality.
- Computerised cognitive training (CCT) showed a small advantage for executive function but a very small advantage for the control group in working memory.
- CCT appeared to have little to no effect on episodic memory.
Conclusions:
- Low-quality evidence from a single study prevents definitive conclusions on CCT's effectiveness in midlife adults.
- High-quality studies are recommended to investigate CCT's effectiveness and acceptability for long-term cognitive health and dementia risk reduction.
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