Effects of computerised cognitive training on cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis

Computerised cognitive training (CCT) has been shown to enhance cognitive function in elderly individuals with cognitive deterioration, but evidence is controversial. Additionally, whether specific CCT is most effective and which stages of cognitive impairment benefit most is unclear.

We systematically searched nine medical and technological databases to collect randomized controlled trials related to CCT primarily conducted in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

We identified 12 studies in patients with SCD and MCI. Pooled analysis showed that CCT could significantly improve cognitive function (g = 0.518, p = 0.000), especially related to memory. In terms of different types of cognitive training, specific CCT was more efficacious than non-specific CCT (g = 0.381, p = 0.007) or placebo (g = 0.734, p = 0.000) but not traditional CT (p = 0.628). In terms of stages of cognitive deterioration, the effect of CCT on SCD (g = 0.926, p = 0.002) was almost double that of its effect on MCI (g = 0.502, p = 0.000).

CCT was most effective in cognitive rehabilitation, particularly in the subdomain of memory. Early intervention in SCD is better.