A meta‐analysis of the consequences of cognitive training on the cognitive function of aged mild cognitive impairment patients

Abstract

AbstractCognitive training has gained popularity as a means to aid older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a transitional phase between normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD). MCI represents a critical and potentially reversible state that can either improve or progress to full‐blown dementia. This study aims to evaluate the impact of cognitive training on cognitive function in aged patients with MCI. PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were systematically retrieved from inception until May 2024. We rigorously applied the risk‐of‐bias methodology recommended by the Cochrane Handbook to assess the quality of the included studies. After two rounds of screening and removing duplicates, a total of 2685 articles were initially identified, from which 28 met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis included 28 randomised controlled trials with 1960 participants. In this meta‐analysis, Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analysis. Findings revealed that cognitive training significantly improved the global cognitive function in aged MCI patients, as evidenced by the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (standard mean difference (SMD) = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.69–3.82; P < 0.00001) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (SMD = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.52–3.01; P < 0.00001). The beneficial effects of cognitive training interventions were consistent regardless of duration, including periods of 2 months or less (SMD = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.25–2.63; P < 0.00001), 2 to 6 months (SMD = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.52–3.53; P < 0.00001), and over 6 months (SMD = 4.12; 95% CI, 0.97–7.27; P = 0.01). The analysis indicates that cognitive training significantly benefits overall cognitive function, delayed memory, orientation, attention, and language skills in aged patients with MCI. Furthermore, cognitive training interventions are effective in enhancing cognitive function, irrespective of their duration.