Tai Chi is Effective in Delaying Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Shuhong Wang,Hua Peng,Jingjing Yang,Lulu Zhang,Qianyun Tang,Fengling Wang,Yu Li

doi:10.1155/2020/3620534

Abstract

To determine whether Tai Chi (TC) is effective in slowing cognitive decline in older populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Tai Chi and MCI. We searched eight electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Wanfang, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CNKI, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for appropriate RCTs published up to August 2019. For those studies included, the data were extracted, methodological quality was evaluated, and then meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3). A total of 11 of the studies were available for systematic review, which together included 1061 participants, met the inclusion criteria, and ten of these were included in the meta-analysis. For most RCTs, the methodological quality was moderate. The meta-analysis revealed that Tai Chi could significantly improve global cognitive function; memory and learning; mental speed and attention; ideas, abstraction, figural creations, and mental flexibility; and visuospatial perception. The present review adds to the evidence showing that Tai Chi is potentially beneficial in improving cognitive functions among elderly people with MCI. However, strictly designed and well-reported RCTs are required.

Highlights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive function, attention, memory, and learning that is beyond what would be expected considering age and educational level [1]
Rey-Osterrieth complex Figure-Copy, Clock drawing, Block design Mattis construction score Bell cancellation test Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) similarities, Trail-Making Test (B-A), verbal fluency, Mattis conceptualization score, Mattis initiation score
Other studies compared Tai Chi training with stretching and toning exercises [19, 21], health education [20, 26, 28, 29], and playing cards or singing [24], we considered that those activities did not differ from nonintervention because they were of low intensity and did not significantly moderate the exercise habits of the participants

Summary

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive function, attention, memory, and learning that is beyond what would be expected considering age and educational level [1]. It is defined as the intermediate phase between the expected cognitive decline found in normal aging and the more serious decline found in early clinical dementia [2]. It is conservatively estimated that about 5–10% of patients with MCI develop dementia per year [6] As this clinical cohort is associated with a high risk of developing dementia, early interventions aiming to improve the cognitive status and stop further decline are the primary goal of MCI treatment. No pharmacological treatments are currently approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for treating MCI or delaying the longer-term progression of MCI to dementia [7]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion