Working memory training with technological innovation in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorder: a systematic review using ToS (Tree of Science) methodology

Abstract

Objective: Working memory training has shown both physical and cognitive benefits in aging population. However, these gains are not clear after brain injury and mild cognitive disorder. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the current state of the scientific literature on technology-mediated working memory training in adults with mild neurocognitive impairment. Methods: A systematic review was performed, following the PRISMA guidelines in English language in the Scopus, Web of Science and Pubmed databases. We included articles that were experimental studies, from the last 7 years, with older adults, in English language and studies related to working memory training in patients with minor neurocognitive disorder, and excluded those that had a different methodological design, were studies with incomplete information, were subjective and not interpretable and studies in patients with severe neurological diseases and psychiatric diseases. Results: A total of 745 articles were identified, 675 were eliminated after reading the title, abstract and keywords because they did not fit the specificity of the research topic or the population, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1334 articles were eliminated, and 70 were evaluated for eligibility, and of these only 30 met the quality criteria. Conclusion: Neurological changes in mild neurocognitive impairment reduce the ability to simultaneously maintain and process information to perform complex tasks. The findings of the systematic review support the sensitivity and ecological validity of neuropsychological rehabilitation mediated by virtual reality, computerized training, video games and robotics in working memory training in adults with mild neurocognitive disorder because it represents a protective factor for mental health, allowing brain stimulation and the development of skills that favor social interaction, problem solving and maintenance of cognitive reserve.

Keywords

• mild neurocognitive disorder
• cognitive rehabilitation
• working memory
• innovation
• technology.