Computerized multi-domain cognitive training reduces brain atrophy in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Haifeng Zhang,Xiaozhen Lyu,Xin Yu,Xiangzhu Zeng,Huishu Yuan,Ying Liu,Jing Wang,Zhijiang Wang,Huali Wang,Xiao Wang

doi:10.1038/s41398-019-0385-x

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the effect of computerized multi-domain cognitive training (MDCT) on brain gray matter volume and neuropsychological performance in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (amnestic MCI). Twenty-one patients with amnestic MCI participated in a computerized MDCT program. The program targeted a broad set of cognitive domains via programs focused on reasoning, memory, visuospatial, language, calculation, and attention. Seventeen Participants completed the intervention and all completed a battery of neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive function while 12 out of 17 underwent 3 T MRI scanning before and after the intervention to measure gray matter (GM) volume. We examined correlations between the changes in neuropsychological scores and GM volumes across participants after the intervention. After training, we observed significant increases in GM volume in the right angular gyrus (AG) and other parietal subareas near the intraparietal sulcus (p < 0.05, FWE-corrected, 10000 permutations). However, we found no significant changes in neuropsychological test scores (p > 0.05). A correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between the changes in GM volume in the right AG and scores in the immediate recall component of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) (r = 0.64, p = 0.024) and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT-R) (r = 0.67, p = 0.016). Our findings indicate that a computerized MDCT program may protect patients with amnestic MCI against brain GM volume loss and has potential in preserving general cognition. Thus, our non-pharmacological intervention may slow the rate of disease progression.

Highlights

Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder characterized by deteriorating cognition, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities, and currently represents a major public health challenge[1]
Study design The present study used a self-control design to investigate the effect of the multi-domain cognitive training (MDCT) program on brain gray matter (GM) volume and neuropsychological performance in patients with amnestic Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
12 patients were scanned using a 3.0 T General Electric (GE) MR750; four patients were scanned using a 3.0T Siemens Magnetom Trio, and the last patient could not be scanned because she had body metal implants

Summary

Introduction

Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder characterized by deteriorating cognition, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities, and currently represents a major public health challenge[1]. Dementia is currently estimated to affect 5–8% of people aged 60 years and above[1]. There is no cure for dementia, and to date, no treatments have been able to recover function in affected individuals. Researchers have begun to focus on delaying the progress or reducing the incidence of dementia at its preclinical stages[2]. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critically preclinical state and a proximal risk factor for dementia. Epidemiological studies have shown that 8–15% of individuals with MCI will progress to dementia every year[3], and up to 80% will progress to dementia within six years[4]

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Conclusion