Long-term studies in cognitive training for older adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Studies show that aging is accompanied by losses in cognitive functions and that interventions can increase performance and/or support the maintenance of cognitive skills in the elderly. Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of long-term studies involving cognitive training (CT) in older adults without dementia and/or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A systematic review of controlled studies was published in scientific journals from 2000 onward, with duration ≥6 months, CT intervention, cognitively normal (CN) or MCI participants aged ≥60 years, and assessments using cognitive and/or neuropsychological tests. Results: A total of 32 studies were reviewed, comprising 10 on study protocols, 14 in CN older adults (no MCI and/or dementia), and 8 in older adults with MCI or at risk for dementia. Conclusions: The studies reported improvements in cognitive performance for some motor abilities, among older participants of CT with or without booster sessions, including multimodal interventions or otherwise.