Effectiveness of mobile computerized cognitive training in adults with mild cognitive impairment: interim analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Computerized cognitive training (cCT) is recommended as standard therapy for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While traditional cognitive training involves long waiting times, mobile cCT can efficiently improve the healthcare situation. This interim analysis of the ongoing NeuroNation MED Effectiveness Study (NeNaE) aims to assess first effects of a mobile, gamified cCT (NeuroNation MED) in participants with MCI. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the intervention group (IG) performed 12 weeks of training with the NeuroNation MED app, while the control group (CG) represented a waiting group. This interim analysis included 50 participants (IG: n = 36; CG: n = 14). As primary outcome, we examined the index score of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Screening Module (S-NAB). Alpha spending results in an alpha level of .00305 for the interim analysis. This analysis showed first positive evidence for the effectiveness of the intervention where the IG improved significantly in the S-NAB index score ( t (35) = 3.17, p = 0.0028, Cohen's d = 0.53). However, ANCOVA revealed no significant group differences between IG and CG in the S-NAB index score ( F (1, 47) = 5.39, p = 0.025, η p 2 = 0.125). Additionally, the IG showed a significant mean decrease in subjective memory measured with the CFQ-D ( MD = - 10.56, SD = 18.82, t (35)= 3.21, p = 0.0029, Cohen's d = 0.53). Conducting the complete study is crucial to determine the effectiveness of NeuroNation MED. Clinical Trial Registration ID DRKS00025133 Date of registration : 05.11.2021