Computerized cognitive training on touchscreen for elderly: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

An aging global population requires preventive and curative interventions to address cognitive decline. Touchscreen computerized cognitive training provides an engaging, portable, cost-effective, and accessible solution for seniors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine, using meta-analysis, the effects of computerized cognitive training on older adults using touchscreens. We conducted a literature review to identify RCTs involving older adults in touchscreen computerized cognitive training between 2016 and January 2025 on PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Our research identified 34 studies involving 3,011 participants and, despite methodological variations, some of them assessed cognition using similar tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Digit Span (DS), and the Trail Making Test (TMT) task. Cross-study analysis indicated a significant impact of computerized cognitive training on MMSE, MoCA, GDS, TMT, and DS scores. Computerized cognitive training applied on touchscreens demonstrates a statistically significant effect on overall cognition, short-term memory, working memory, processing speed, attention, and flexibility. Nevertheless, future studies in this area need to be more standardized and more rigorous to demonstrate validating effects and establish an accessible attribution environment.