Improved functioning following computerized working memory training (COGMED®) in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and cognitive complaints: An exploratory study

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently have cognitive deficits even when euthymic. These deficits are considered one of the main drivers of functional disability in BD. This study investigated whether computerized working memory training using the COGMED® program in patients with BD can improve global functioning, therapeutic compliance, and subjective quality of life. MethodsFor this naturalistic prospective study, 40 patients with BD and cognitive complaints were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical, neurocognitive and functional data were collected before starting the remediation intervention (baseline). At home, patients used the web-based working memory training program COGMED® that included a battery of interactive games (daily sessions, five days per week for five weeks), supported by weekly phone-based feedback. The clinical, neurocognitive and functional assessment was repeated four weeks after the intervention end and compared with the baseline data. ResultsThirty-two patients completed the study. Compared with baseline, general functioning was improved after the working memory training program, as indicated by a mean reduction of 6.78 (SD 4.65) points in the Functioning Assessment Short Test (p<0.001). This result remained significant after controlling for depressive symptomatology improvement. Similarly, the scores of neuropsychological tests for cognitive complaints, as well as verbal and visuospatial working memory components were significantly different before and after the intervention (p<0.05). Conversely, the subjective quality of life and therapeutic compliance did not change. LimitationsThe naturalistic open-label, non-controlled design of this study precludes the conclusion regarding causality. ConclusionsIn patients with BD, global functioning is improved by computerized working memory remediation.