Dementia & Neuropsychologia (Apr 2022)

Long-term studies in cognitive training for older adults: a systematic review

  • Thais Bento Lima da Silva,
  • Jéssica Souza Bratkauskas,
  • Maurício Einstoss de Castro Barbosa,
  • Guilherme Alves da Silva,
  • Mariana Garcia Zumkeller,
  • Luiz Carlos de Moraes,
  • Patrícia Prata Lessa,
  • Neide Pereira Cardoso,
  • Tiago Nascimento Ordonez,
  • Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2021-0064
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 2
pp. 135 – 152

Abstract

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ABSTRACT. Studies show that aging is accompanied by losses in cognitive functions and that interventions can increase performance and/or support the maintenance of cognitive skills in the elderly. Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of long-term studies involving cognitive training (CT) in older adults without dementia and/or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A systematic review of controlled studies was published in scientific journals from 2000 onward, with duration ≥6 months, CT intervention, cognitively normal (CN) or MCI participants aged ≥60 years, and assessments using cognitive and/or neuropsychological tests. Results: A total of 32 studies were reviewed, comprising 10 on study protocols, 14 in CN older adults (no MCI and/or dementia), and 8 in older adults with MCI or at risk for dementia. Conclusions: The studies reported improvements in cognitive performance for some motor abilities, among older participants of CT with or without booster sessions, including multimodal interventions or otherwise.

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