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Got It, Hide thisLampit A, Hallock H, Valenzuela M. Computerized cognitive training in cognitively healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effect modifiers. PLoS Med. 2014 Nov 18;11(11):e1001756.
In people without cognitive impairment, does computerized cognitive training improve cognitive performance?
Cognitive decline can involve difficulties with thinking, memory, language, and decision making and may increase risk of dementia. Cognitive stimulation is believed to reduce risk of cognitive decline and subsequent dementia.
Computerized cognitive training presents people with mentally challenging tasks on a computer and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The researchers did a systematic review based on studies available up to July 2014.
They found 52 randomized controlled trials with 4,885 people (average age 60 to 82 years, 60% were women).
Key features of the trials were:
The quality of the trials varied. 23 trials had scores of 7 or more out of 9 on a scale that measures methodologic and reporting quality. 17 trials were thought to be at low risk for bias.
Compared with control, computerized cognitive training:
Overall cognitive outcome was improved by computerized cognitive training when the training was done in groups but not when it was done at home.
In people without cognitive impairment, computerized cognitive training improves cognitive performance by a small amount immediately after training.
Outcomes | Number of trials | Effect of training* |
All cognitive outcomes | 51 | Small improvement |
Processing speed | 33 | Medium improvement |
Nonverbal memory | 13 | Small improvement |
Working memory | 28 | Small improvement |
Visuospatial skills | 8 | Small improvement |
Verbal memory | 23 | Very small improvement |
Executive functions | 29 | No difference |
Attention | 11 | No difference |
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