Effects of Cognitive Training on Improving Cognitive Functions in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Study

Abstract

Context: A methodical review and meta-analysis of cognitive intervention studies were conducted to clarify the effect of such interventions on memory. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive training on the improvement of cognitive function in older adults. Evidence Acquisition: The programs for improving cognitive performance, along with characteristics, among older adults were assessed by considering a literature review of previous studies. A total of 174 articles published between 1990 to 2017 in the area under study were selected. Each article was reviewed by two independent reviewers. In this study, 15 studies and 910 subjects were selected for data analysis, and the meta-analysis was performed according to the Hedge method. Results: Based on the results, a positive effect size of 0.30 (SE = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.165 - 0.436) was observed regarding the subjects’ cognitive function stemming from the interventions on individual and group cognitive-related therapies. The results were consistent, indicating that variances in effect size might be related to sampling error (Q = 88.592, df = 14, P = 0.000). Conclusions: The results confirm previous meta-analyses and methodical reviews showing that memory training plays a positive role in enhancing cognitive function.