Computer-based cognitive interventions for people living with dementia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To estimate the efficacy of computer-based cognitive interventions for improving cognition in people with dementia (PWD). Method: Online literature databases were searched for relevant studies. Interventions were categorised as follows: cognitive recreation, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation or cognitive training. A systematic review, quality assessment and meta-analyses were conducted. Results: Twelve studies were identified. Their methodological quality was acceptable according to Downs & Black criteria, the weakest methodological area being the external validity. The meta-analyses indicated cognitive interventions lead to beneficial effects on cognition in PWD (SMD −0.69; 95% CI = −1.02 to −0.37; P < 0.0001; I2 = 29%), depression (SMD 0.74; 95% CI = 0.31 to 1.17; P = 0.0008; I2 = 41%) and anxiety (SMD 0.55; 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.04; P < 0.03; I2 = 42%). They benefited significantly more from the computer-based cognitive interventions than from the non-computer-based interventions in cognition (SMD 0.48; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.87; P = 0.02; I2 = 2%) and depression (SMD 0.96; 95% CI = 0.25 to 1.66; P = 0.008; I2 = 54%). Conclusion: Computer-based cognitive interventions have moderate effects in cognition, depression and anxiety in PWD. No significant effects were found on activities of daily living. They led to superior results compared to non-computer-based interventions in cognition and depression. Further research is needed on cognitive recreation and cognitive stimulation. There is also a need for longer-term follow-up to examine the potential retention of treatment effects, and for the design of specific outcome measures.