Computerized Games versus Crosswords Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a significant risk factor for dementia.
• The effectiveness of cognitive training interventions for individuals with MCI remains uncertain.
• Understanding effective strategies to support cognitive health in aging populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of home-based, computerized cognitive training in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
• To compare the effects of web-based cognitive games versus web-based crossword puzzles on cognitive and functional outcomes.
• To assess the impact of cognitive training on brain structure, including hippocampal volume and cortical thickness.

Main Methods:

• A 78-week, two-site, single-blinded randomized trial involving 107 participants with MCI.
• Participants were stratified by age, MCI severity, and study site.
• Interventions included 12 weeks of intensive, home-based computerized training (cognitive games or crossword puzzles) with booster sessions.

Main Results:

• Web-based crossword puzzles showed a statistically significant improvement in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) score compared to cognitive games at 78 weeks (P=0.04).
• The crossword group experienced a mean improvement in ADAS-Cog scores, while the games group showed a slight worsening.
• Greater decreases in hippocampal volume and cortical thickness were observed in the cognitive games group compared to the crossword group.

Conclusions:

• Home-based computerized crossword puzzle training demonstrated superior efficacy over cognitive games in improving cognitive function among individuals with MCI over a 78-week period.
• The findings suggest that specific types of digital cognitive interventions may be more beneficial for maintaining or improving cognitive status in MCI.
• Further research into the long-term effects and mechanisms of different digital cognitive training modalities is warranted.