Table 2 Cognitive training intervention characteristics and cognitive outcomes from randomized (RCT), non-randomized controlled (NRCT) and uncontrolled trials (UCT) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
From: Cognitive and memory training in adults at risk of dementia: A Systematic Review
Citation | Cognitive training | Control condition | No. Of sessions/wk | Session length (hrs) | Total no. of sessions/no. wks | Follow-up (mo) | Cognitive outcome measures | Generalisation outcome measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rapp et al 2002 | Memory strategies (cueing, categorisation, chunking, method of loci) through repetitive exercises and homework drills. Group format. | RCT No treatment | 1 | 2 | 6/6 | 6 | Domain Specific: Memory Functioning Questionnaire, Memory Controllability Questionnaire, Word list immediate & delayed recall, Story Paragraph immediate & delayed recall, Grocery list immediate & delayed recall, Names and faces immediate & delayed recall | Profile of Mood States |
Gunther et al 2003 | Cognitive exercise of multi-domain computer-based training with Cogpack (Marker Software, 1992). Format not reported. | UCT None | 1 | .75 | 14/14 | 5 | Domain Specific: Six tests from the German Nurnberger-Aging Inventory: TMT, Repeat sentences, Word Lists, Word Pairs, Picture test, Figure test, California Verbal Learning Test- German version (CVLT-G) | None |
Olazaran et al 2004 | Cognitive exercise with multi-domain pen & paper cognitive exercise drills, within a larger cognitive-motor intervention. | RCT Psycho-social support | 2 | 3.5 | 100/52 | None | Global: Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog), Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) | Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) |
Belleville et al 2006 | Memory strategies of imagery, association, method of loci, and computer-assisted attention training | NRCT Wait list | 1 | 2 | 8/8 | None | Domain Specific: Episodic memory tasks of face naming, word list, story text. | Subjective Memory Questionnaire (QAM), Scale of Well Being |
Cipriani et al 2006 | Cognitive exercise of multimodal & multi- domain computer-based exercises with NeuroPsychological Training (NPT) (Tonetta, 1995, 1998). Format not reported. | UCT None | 4 | .75 | 32/8 | None | Global: MMSE Domain Specific: Phonemic and Semantic fluency, Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Symbol, NPT scores | Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Advanced Activity of Daily Living, State and Trait Anxiety (STAI-XI, X2), Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) |
Rozzini et al 2007 | Cognitive exercise computer-based NPT and Cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI). Individual format. | RCT Control1 (C1) ChEI Control 2 (C2) No treatment | 5 | 1 | 72/12 | 3 | Global: MMSE Domain Specific: Story Paragraph, Letter verbal fluency, Semantic verbal fluency, Raven's Coloured Matrices, Rey Complex Figure test (RCFT) copy and recall | GDS-15 items, Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI), Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) |
Talassi et al 2007 | Cognitive exercise multimodal & multi- domain computer NPT (Tonetta, 1995, 1998). Group format. | NRCT Physiotherapy | 4 | .5 to .75 | 12/3 | None | Global: MMSE Domain specific: Digit Span, Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) copy and recall, digit Symbol, clock drawing, Phonemic and Semantic verbal fluency | RBMT, Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADL), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), GDS, STAI, Carer Burden Inventory, physical Performance Test (PPT) |
Wenisch et al 2007 | Memory strategies categorisation, reality orientation, mental imagery along with executive exercises. Group format. | UCT None | 1 | 1.5 | 12/12 | None | Global: MMSE Domain specific: Logical Memory, Word pair Associate learning, TMT, Semantic and Phonemic verbal fluency. | Goldberg Anxiety & Depression Scale (GADS) |
Troyer et al 2008 | Memory strategies spaced retrieval, memory book, semantic association, logical location with repeated exercises and homework activities within a larger mixed intervention. Group format. | RCT Wait list | not reported | 2 | 10/25 | 3 | Domain specific: Word List of two-syllable nouns, Digit span, Memory strategy knowledge, Multi-factorial Memory Questionnaire | None |
Barnes et al 2009 | Cognitive exercise computer-based training of 7 exercises to improve information processing and accuracy of auditory cortex developed by POSIT Science Corporation (San Francisco, CA). Individual home-based format. | 3 types of computer activities | 5 | 1.6 | not reported | None | Global: Repeatable battery for Assessment of Cognitive Status(RBANS) Domain Specific: California Verbal Learning test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Boston Naming Test, TMT, Design Fluency Test, Spatial Span | GDS |