Abstract
Objectives: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are common in elderly population, and constitute a high-risk group for progression to dementia. Innovative, complex, and engaging non-pharmacological methods of cognitive stimulation, implementable at this stage, are needed. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) combined with Whole Body Stimulation (WBC) on cognitive functions of older adults with SCD and MCI.Methods: A 9-week single-blind pre/post case control trial was conducted. The study enrolled 84 adults aged 60 or older, allocated to one of two intervention groups: EG; CCT with psychoeducation, EG2; CCT with psychoeducation and 10 WBC sessions, or the control group (CG), which comprised patients receiving usual care. The primary outcome measures were cognitive functions evaluated with MoCA scale and several other neuropsychological tools. Depressive symptoms assessed with the GDS scale constituted the secondary outcome measures.Results: The results show evidence for increased performance in the assessment of general cognitive functioning in both EGs (p ≤ 0.05). Significant improvement was also visible in several cognitive domains, such as verbal fluency (EG1 & EG2), learning ability and immediate memory (EG1 & EG2), delayed memory (EG2), attentional control (EG1), and information processing (EG2) (p ≤ 0.05). However, only in the group with combined interventions (CCT + WBC) the participants presented significantly less depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that CCT, especially in combination with WBC, might be a practical and effective method of improving cognitive performance. Moreover, this combination leads to a reduction of depressive symptoms.
Highlights
We investigated whether Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) combined with Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) could constitute effective methods of cognitive stimulation
There were two intervention groups and one control group: EG1– Experimental Group with Computerized Cognitive Training and EG2– Experimental Group with Computerized Cognitive Training and Whole-Body Cryotherapy, and CG– Control Group–which were comprised of community dwelling older people
experimental group (EG) and CG were similar in terms of global cognitive status [Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) mean scores: EG1 = 25 (±2.3 SD), EG2 = 25.1 (±2.7 SD), CG = 25.4 (±2.7 SD)] and depressive symptoms [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) mean scores: EG1 = 8.8 (±5.7 SD), EG2 = 7.7 (±5.1 SD), CG = 8.4 (±5.7 SD)] measured before the interventions
Summary
The increase in life expectancy results in higher incidence and prevalence of age-related cognitive decline, which involves neurodegenerative changes, such as loss of neurons and a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters. These changes are manifested by general slowness of psychomotor skills [2] along with reduced memory, attention, executive functions, and reasoning capacities [3]. Due to the sense of diminished mental capabilities, older adults often exhibit withdrawal from many areas of activity (e.g., professional, social, educational) and a decrease in their independence and self-esteem [2, 5] as well as the stigma phenomenon [6]. They need to be provided with opportunities to avoid social isolation and loss of interest [7]
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