Abstract
Currently, due to the demographic trends, the number of aging population groups is dramatically rising, especially in developed countries. This trend causes serious economic and social issues, but also an increase of aging disorders such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in older population groups. MCI and dementia are connected with deterioration of cognitive functions. The aim of this mini review article is therefore to explore whether computer-based training programs might be an effective intervention tool for older people with MCI and/or dementia or not. The methods include a literature search in the world’s acknowledged databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, MEDLINE and Springer, and consequently, evaluation of the findings of the relevant studies. The findings from the selected studies are quite neutral with respect to the efficacy of the computer assisted intervention programs on the improvement of basic cognitive functions. On the one hand, they suggest that the computer-based training interventions might generate some positive effects on patients with MCI and/or dementia, such as the improvement of learning and short-term memory, as well as behavioral symptoms. On the other hand, these training interventions seem to be short-term, with small sample sizes and their efficacy was proved only in the half of the detected studies. Therefore more longitudinal randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to prove the efficacy of the computer-based training programs among older individuals with MCI and/or dementia.
Highlights
Mental health affects the quality of life of a large number of individuals and family members (Klimova et al, 2015; Maresova et al, 2016)
In all studies the control groups were active, exposed to traditional cognitive training (TCT) using pen-and-paper exercises designed to improve cognitive functions: attention and concentration, memory, language, calculation, or orientation to reality, or the subjects in the control group were involved in an integrated psychostimulation programs (IPPs) comprising music therapy, art and crafts and physical activity
The efficacy of computer-based intervention programs on cognitive impairment among older individuals with Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia was measured by validated neuropsychological tests such as digit span test, vocabulary recall test, or verbal fluency test
Summary
Mental health affects the quality of life of a large number of individuals and family members (Klimova et al, 2015; Maresova et al, 2016). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the pre-phases in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and people usually have moderate difficulties with cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language or vision
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
