Digital cognitive training for functionality in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Digital cognitive training may improve cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); however, the effect on functionality remains poorly defined. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a valid and consistent instrument for evaluating the performance of activities of daily living in this population. This study used the COPM to investigate the effects of digital cognitive training on functionality in individuals with MCI. We recruited participants aged 60 or older with MCI to a double-blinded, randomized, stepped wedge clinical trial of digital cognitive training compared to an active control group of commercial computer games. Participants were evaluated for functionality and cognition before and after 10 h of intervention. Ten hours of digital cognitive training improved functionality, measured by COPM performance, compared to the active control group. Learning over trials also improved significantly after 10 h of digital cognitive training, as compared to the active control group. Ten hours of digital cognitive training improved functionality in MCI. More sensitive tools, such as COPM, should be used to evaluate the effect of therapeutic interventions for functionality in MCI.