Effectiveness of computerized cognitive stimulation in Chilean older adults

Cognitive stimulation in older adults can improve cognitive performance and help reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline.

To analyze the effectiveness of computerized cognitive stimulation (CCS) on memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving in cognitively healthy older adults (OA).

The sample consisted of an intervention group (IG = 47, M = 76.02, SD = 3.37 years) subjected to 42 CCS sessions using Lumosity software three times per week, and a control group (CG = 52, M = 74.12, SD = 2.86 years) from the community, who did not receive any intervention. Both groups were medically evaluated and assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEm), the Photo Test (PT), the Clock Test (CT), and the Trail Making Test (TMT A and B), before and after training.

At baseline, significant intergroup differences favored the CG in all cognitive tests (MMSEm: d = 0.92; TMT-A: d = 1.12; TMT-B: d = 1.14; PT: d = 0.55; CT: d = 0.50). Despite these disparities, post-intervention analysis showed significant improvements in the IG across all domains except the CT (t = -1.43, p = ns), with large effects in MMSEm (d = 0.86) and moderate effects in PT, TMT-A and B.

CCS improved the cognitive performance of the evaluated older adults, demonstrating its feasibility and relevance as a digital strategy for cognitive health.