What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to assess the effectiveness of digital cognitive interventions in enhancing cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

June 17, 2026Open Access

Comparing Digital Cognitive Interventions to Active Controls and Usual Care for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key Points

The research aims to assess the effectiveness of digital cognitive interventions in enhancing cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using data from ten databases, including Ovid-Medline and Cochrane Library, searching for studies up to May 2025.
Global cognitive and executive functions were evaluated, comparing DCIs to active controls and usual care across diverse patient populations.
Subgroup analyses examined effects based on patient type (MCI or dementia) and intervention format (computer-based or virtual reality).
DCIs improved global cognitive function compared to usual care, with an SMD of 0.44 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.69).
No significant improvement observed when comparing DCIs to active controls (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: −0.35, 0.82).
Benefits were noted for mild cognitive impairment individuals (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.70), while dementia results were inconclusive (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI: −0.69, 2.59).

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are prevalent public health challenges with limited pharmacological options for cognitive enhancement. Digital cognitive rehabilitative interventions (DCIs) have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach, offering accessibility and personalized strategies. However, their efficacy across diverse populations and contexts remains unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of DCIs in improving global cognitive function in individuals with MCI and dementia by comparing them to active controls and usual care. Materials and Methods: Ten databases, including Ovid-Medline, Ovid–Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, KoreaMed, KMbase, RISS, and KISS, were searched for studies published up to May 2025. Global cognitive and executive functions, along with quality of life, were assessed. Meta-analyses using Review Manager version 5.4 were conducted to evaluate global cognitive function improvements, first stratified by comparator group (active control vs. usual care) and further stratified by patient (MCI vs. dementia) and intervention (computer-based vs. virtual reality cognitive training) types. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 37 studies. Overall, DCIs improved global cognitive function compared to the control group (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.69). However, subgroup analysis showed no significant effect when DCIs were compared with active controls (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: −0.35, 0.82). Subgroup analysis showed benefits for individuals with MCI (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.70) but yielded inconclusive results for those with dementia (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI: −0.69, 2.59). Computer-based DCIs were effective (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.93), whereas VR-based interventions had inconsistent outcomes (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: −0.34, 0.98). Conclusions: DCIs may improve cognitive function compared with usual care, particularly in patients with MCI. However, their added benefits overactive cognitive interventions remain uncertain. Further well-designed studies are needed to clarify the relative advantages of DCIs across patient populations and intervention formats.

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Cite This Study

Lee et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a323bbcd50b63ecad206361 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061162

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