Computerized Cognitive Training in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Computerized cognitive training shows promise in healthy older adults.
• Efficacy in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remains inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of a brain-plasticity computerized cognitive training program.
• To assess outcomes in 113 participants diagnosed with amnestic MCI.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel clinical trial.
• 113 participants with amnestic MCI underwent 40 hours of training.
• Comparison between an experimental cognitive training group and an active control (computer games) group.

Main Results:

• The active control group outperformed the experimental group on the primary auditory memory/attention composite score immediately post-training (p=0.02).
• No significant group differences were observed for secondary outcomes (global cognition, daily functioning) immediately post-training or after one year.
• No adverse events were reported during the trial.

Conclusions:

• The tested brain-plasticity cognitive training program did not yield significant benefits for individuals with amnestic MCI.
• Short-term improvements in the control group warrant consideration and may influence future treatment strategies for MCI.
• Further research is needed to optimize cognitive interventions for this population.