[Differential effects of computerized cognitive stimulation versus stimulating leisure activities on mood and global cognition in adults with subjective and mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial]

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) involves both subjective and objective cognitive decline with relatively preserved daily functioning, whereas Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI) refers to perceived decline without measurable deficits. This study aimed to compare the effects of a personalized computerized cognitive stimulation (CS) program (IG1) and a stimulating leisure activities program (IG2) in adults with MCI and SCI.

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in primary care with participants aged =50 years with SCI or MCI. Participants were randomized to IG1, IG2), or a control group (CG). IG1 completed personalized computerized CS for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks. IG2 engaged in 2-5 stimulating leisure activities per week for the same period. The primary outcome was global cognition; secondary outcomes included memory, verbal fluency, daily functioning, and mood.

Fifty-nine participants were enrolled in the study, 44 with SCI and 15 with MCI. Compared to CG, IG1 showed greater reductions in anxiety post-intervention (2.07; 95%CI: 0.93-3.22 vs. 4.34; 95%CI: 3.22-5.46) and lower depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up (3.41; 95%CI: 2.05-4.77 vs. 5.62; 95%CI: 4.26-6.97). IG2 participants demonstrated improved global cognition post-intervention (29.2; 95%CI: 27.625-30.776) and at 6 months (28.78; 95%CI: 27.16-30.42) relative to CG (30.626; 95%CI: 28.99-32.27).

Personalized computerized CS reduces anxiety and depression symptoms, while stimulating leisure activities enhances global cognition in community-dwelling adults with SCI and MCI, suggesting complementary benefits of both interventions.