Nonpharmacological Therapies for Behavioral and Cognitive Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate research on nonpharmacological treatments for symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHOD: We searched for relevant English-language articles published from 2000 to 2010 using PUBMED and PsycINFO. We included nonpharmacological interventions for treating cognitive and behavioral symptoms in persons with MCI other than cognitive/memory training, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Effect sizes and hazard ratios were calculated when possible. RESULTS: Current research points to the potential influence of behavioral interventions on behavioral symptoms. Exercise/diet interventions may alleviate cognitive deficits, especially cognitive speed and executive functioning, but possibly not memory--a domain central to MCI. Results were limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous methodology, short follow-ups, and the limited number of published studies. DISCUSSION: Behavioral, diet, and exercise regimens show some promise with respect to reducing behavioral and cognitive symptomology. Rigorous research studies are needed to create more certainty about their potential to complement drug and/or cognitive therapies.