Effects of cognitive interventions on quality of life among adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

BackgroundThere is considerable research exploring the impact of cognitive interventions on cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the impact on quality of life (QOL) is not routinely reported. As QOL is a key predictor of health outcomes, it is important to determine the evidence supporting cognitive interventions for improving QOL in people with MCI. ObjectiveTo evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive interventions for improving QOL among people with MCI. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. MethodsA systematic database search was conducted from inception to December 11, 2021, using four databases. Quality assessment was conducted, and data on the characteristics of the studies and the effects on QOL were extracted. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to elucidate the effects of potential moderator variables on QOL measures. ResultsOf the 1550 records initially identified, 17 studies met the criteria for the final meta-analysis. The findings revealed that cognitive interventions produced moderate gains in overall QOL compared to the control group at the posttest (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.23, 0.84]), but no statistically significant differences were found at the end of follow-up (SMD: 0.40, 95% CI: [−0.15,0.94]). Furthermore, the effects of cognitive interventions were moderated by intervention duration, session duration, and study location. However, intervention types, session frequency, intervention components, control condition, total number of sessions, types of QOL measures, and responders to QOL-AD had no statistically significant effects on QOL outcome. ConclusionsCognitive interventions have positive effects on QOL among adults with MCI. However, the high heterogeneity of the included studies calls for more well-designed cognitive intervention trials to examine the association between QOL and relevant moderators.