Remote cognitive training for older adults using tablets: A pilot trial

Cognitive decline significantly affects the functional and intrinsic capacities of older adults, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Evidence suggests that mentally stimulating activities, particularly those supported by digital technologies, can promote cognitive health and quality of life in aging populations.

This pilot trial examined the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of GameAAL, a multidomain Cognitive Training programme delivered via tablet and television, in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia.

The intervention targeted key cognitive domains including attention, reaction time, memory, language, and executive functioning. Forty-one older adults (aged 60-93), living in nursing homes, participated in a 6-month programme. The tablet intervention group (n = 10) completed 30 sessions using a tablet device, while the TV intervention group (n = 31) completed nine sessions using a TV interface. All participants engaged with six serious games designed around cognitive tasks related to activities of daily living.

Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Tablet group showed a trend towards improved MoCA scores following the intervention, whereas the TV group did not show significant changes. At the post-intervention, the Tablet group demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance compared to the TV group (p = 0.044). No significant between-group differences were observed in HADS scores.

The findings suggest that the GameAAL Cognitive Training programme may help improve cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment by combining computer-based exercises with ecologically valid tasks.