npj Digital Medicine (Aug 2024)

Dose–response relationship between computerized cognitive training and cognitive improvement

  • Liyang Liu,
  • Haibo Wang,
  • Yi Xing,
  • Ziheng Zhang,
  • Qingge Zhang,
  • Ming Dong,
  • Zhujiang Ma,
  • Longjun Cai,
  • Xiaoyi Wang,
  • Yi Tang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01210-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Although computerized cognitive training (CCT) is an effective digital intervention for cognitive impairment, its dose-response relationship is understudied. This retrospective cohort study explores the association between training dose and cognitive improvement to find the optimal CCT dose. From 2017 to 2022, 8,709 participants with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and mild dementia were analyzed. CCT exposure varied in daily dose and frequency, with cognitive improvement measured weekly using Cognitive Index. A mixed-effects model revealed significant Cognitive Index increases across most dose groups before reaching the optimal dose. For participants under 60 years, the optimal dose was 25 to <30 min per day for 6 days a week. For those 60 years or older, it was 50 to <55 min per day for 6 days a week. These findings highlight a dose-dependent effect in CCT, suggesting age-specific optimal dosing for cognitive improvement.