Cognitive intervention for mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Compared with age-matched controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) populations are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease(AD). There is no consensus that any pharmacological treatment can improve MCI, thus it is plausible to turn attention to cognitive interventions. This paper reviewed the prior researches on cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive rehabilitation for MCI based on the categories defined by Clare and Woods in order to clarify the effect of these interventions on improving cognitive function in MCI individuals. The results indicate that cognitive interventions may improve multiple cognitive domains including memory performance, executive functions, processing speed, attention, and social functions in adults with MCI, while the mechanism remains unclear. It suggested that further studies should examine the mechanism of cognitive intervention by applying neuroscience technology and strengthening the control of heterogeneity of the etiologies and symptoms of MCI, and improve the clinical effect by combining cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive rehabilitation. Key words: Mild cognitive impairment; Cognitive intervention; Cognitive stimulation; Cognitive training; Cognitive rehabilitation