The Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training Program for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objective: As the elderly population increases, the proportion of neurocognitive disorder is increasing. Accordingly, research on cognitive intervention therapy to prevent neurocognitive disorder is also becoming active. In particular, this study attempted to evaluate changes in cognitive function before and after training and verify their effectiveness by implementing a computerized cognitive training program for patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: A computerized cognitive training program was conducted for 15 patients with mild cognitive impairment. It was conducted twice a week, 30 minutes, and 16 times for 8 weeks, and neurocognitive function was evaluated before and after training. The neurocognitive function tests are as follows; Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery, Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Korean Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (K-IADL), Korean Neuropsychiatric Inventory (K-NPI), and Memory Age-associated Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in memory domain after the implementation of the computerized cognitive training program, but no significant changes in attention, language ability, visuospatial function, and frontal lobe executive function. Among the memory areas, the Seoul Verbal Learning Test: Delayed Recall, Rey Complex Figure Test: Delayed Recall, and Rey Complex Figure Test: Recognition are showed significant improvement. In addition, there was a significant improvement in CDR (sum of box) and K-MoCA scores. There was no statistically significant difference in K-IADL and K-NPI. Conclusion: Computerized cognitive training programs have been effective in improving memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment. In order to verify the effectiveness of dementia prevention, a long-term study of a larger number is needed. The results of this preliminary study will help develop and apply cognitive training contents in the future.