The Effectiveness of a Multimodal Brain Empowerment Program in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-Blind, Quasi-Randomized Experimental Study

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine a multimodal brain empowerment (MBE) program to mitigate the modifiable risk factors in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and its therapeutic effects are unknown. MBE encompassing (1) tDCS, light therapy, computerized cognitive therapy (TLC) and (2) robot-assisted gait training, music therapy, and core exercise (REM) interventions were randomly assigned to 20 healthy young adults and 20 older adults with MCI. The electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum and topographic event-related synchronization (ERS) analysis were used to assess intervention-related changes in neural activity during the MBE program. Outcome: The EEG results demonstrated that both multimodal TLC and REM decreased delta waves and increased theta, alpha, and beta waves (p < 0.001). ERS showed increased neural activation in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes during TLC and REM. Such enhanced neural activity in the region of interest supports potential clinical benefits in empowering cognitive function in both young adults and older adults with MCI.