Effects of computerized cognitive training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis_Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine

Authors：

WANG Ying ¹ , FENG Huaijin ² , ZHU Shanshan ³ ,  LI Wei ⁴

1. School of Philosophy & Sociology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China;
2. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, P. R. China;
3. Trade Union, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China;
4. College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, P. R. China;

Corresponding?author：

LI Wei, Email: 2169518248@qq.com

Keywords：

Computerized cognitive training; Mild cognitive impairment; Cognitive function improvement; Non-pharmacological interventions; Systematic review; Meta-analysis

DOI：

10.7507/1672-2531.202512180

Video：

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Abstract Full text Figures/Tables Video References Cited by

Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Eight electronic databases, Cochrane Library, Eric, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, CNKI and WanFang Data, were searched from inception to June 2024. Six members of the research team independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results A total of 15 studies involving 837 elderly individuals with MCI were ultimately included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: 1) Compared with no intervention/usual care, CCT significantly improved global cognitive function (SMD = 0.91, 95%CI 0.49 to 1.42, P < 0.01), memory (SMD = 0.89, 95%CI 0.33 to 1.46, P < 0.01), attention (SMD = 0.83, 95%CI 0.36 to 1.30, P < 0.01), executive function (SMD = –0.62, 95%CI –0.89 to –0.34, P < 0.01), language function (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI 0.43 to 0.96, P < 0.01), and visuospatial function (SMD = 0.46, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.76, P < 0.01); 2) Compared with active control, CCT significantly improved overall cognitive function and attention, with effects sustained in the short term. It held potential for enhancing memory, executive function, language function, and visuospatial function. Conclusion Based on low-quality evidence, this meta-analysis indicates that CCT contributes to improving global cognitive function, memory, attention, executive function, language function, and visuospatial function in older adults with MCI. The intervention effects gradually diminish over time during follow-up. Future studies should further increase sample sizes, extend follow-up periods, and adopt more rigorous methodological standards to accurately assess the effectiveness and sustainability of CCT interventions through higher-quality research.

Citation： WANG Ying, FENG Huaijin, ZHU Shanshan, LI Wei. Effects of computerized cognitive training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2026, 26(9): 1038-1045. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.202512180 Copy

1.	Pinyopornpanish K, Buawangpong N, Soontornpun A. A household survey of the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment among urban community-dwelling adults aged 30 to 65[J]. Sci Rep, 2024, 14(1): 7783.
2.	Jekel K, Damian M, Wattmo C. Mild cognitive impairment and deficits in instrumental activities of daily living: a systematic review[J]. Alzheimers Res Ther, 2015, 7(1): 17.
3.	Wang YQ, Jia RX, Liang JH. Effects of non-pharmacological therapies for people with mild cognitive impairment. A Bayesian network meta-analysis[J]. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry, 2020, 35(6): 591-600.
4.	Salari N, Lotfi F, Abdolmaleki A. The global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in geriatric population with emphasis on influential factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. BMC Geriatr, 2025, 25: 313.
5.	Petersen RC, Roberts RO, Knopman DS. Mild cognitive impairment: ten years later[J]. Arch Neurol, 2009, 66(12): 1447-1455.
6.	Dieckelmann M, González-González AI, Banzer W. Effectiveness of exercise interventions to improve long-term outcomes in people living with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Sci Rep, 2023, 13(1): 18074.
7.	Chen P, Cai H, Bai W. Global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among older adults living in nursing homes: a meta-analysis and systematic review of epidemiological surveys[J]. Transl Psychiatry, 2023, 13(1): 88.
8.	Anderson ND. State of the science on mild cognitive impairment (MCI)[J]. CNS Spectr, 2019, 24(1): 78-87.
9.	Chan ATC, Ip RTF, Tran JYS. Computerized cognitive training for memory functions in mild cognitive impairment or dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. NPJ Digit Med, 2024, 7(1): 1.
10.	Martin M, Clare L, Altgassen AM. Cognition-based interventions for healthy older people and people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2011, (1): CD006220.
11.	Jo K, Jhoo JH, Mun YJ. The effect of cognitive intervention on cognitive improvement in patients with dementia[J]. Dement Neurocogn Disord, 2018, 17(1): 23-31.
12.	Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ. Practice guideline update summary: mild cognitive impairment: report of the guideline development, dissemination, and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology[J]. Neurology, 2018, 90(3): 126-135.
13.	Zhang H, Huntley J, Bhome R. Effect of computerised cognitive training on cognitive outcomes in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. BMJ Open, 2019, 9(8): e027062.
14.	Jak AJ, Seelye AM, Jurick SM. Crosswords to computers: a critical review of popular approaches to cognitive enhancement[J]. Neuropsychol Rev, 2013, 23(1): 13-26.
15.	Li R, Geng J, Yang R. Effectiveness of computerized cognitive training in delaying cognitive function decline in people with mild cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2022, 24(10): e38624.
16.	Gates NJ, Vernooij RW, Di Nisio M. Computerised cognitive training for preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019, (3): CD012279.
17.	Zuschnegg J, Schoberer D, H?ussl A. Effectiveness of computer-based interventions for community-dwelling people with cognitive decline: a systematic review with meta-analyses[J]. BMC Geriatr, 2023, 23(1): 229.
18.	Higgins JPT, Altman DG, G?tzsche PC. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials[J]. BMJ, 2011, 343: d5928.
19.	Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Schünemann HJ. GRADE guidelines: a new series of articles in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology[J]. J Clin Epidemiol, 2011, 64(4): 380-382.
20.	Wang Y, Liu M, Tan Y. Effectiveness of dance-based interventions on depression for persons with MCI and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Front Psychol, 2022, 12: 709208.
21.	王丹, 翟俊霞, 牟振云, 等. Meta分析中的異質性及其處理方法[J]. 中國循證醫學雜志, 2009, 9(10): 1115-1118.
22.	Bahar-Fuchs A, Webb S, Bartsch L. Tailored and adaptive computerized cognitive training in older adults at risk for dementia: a randomized controlled trial[J]. J Alzheimers Dis, 2017, 60(3): 889-911.
23.	Bernini S, Alloni A, Panzarasa S. A computer-based cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease[J]. NeuroRehabilitation, 2019, 44(4): 555-567.
24.	Bernini S, Panzarasa S, Barbieri M. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of cognitive training delivered using two different methods in mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: preliminary report of benefits associated with the use of a computerized tool[J]. Aging Clin Exp Res, 2021, 33(6): 1567-1575.
25.	Djabelkhir L, Wu YH, Vidal JS. Computerized cognitive stimulation and engagement programs in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: comparing feasibility, acceptability, and cognitive and psychosocial effects[J]. Clin Interv Aging, 2017, 12: 1967-1975.
26.	Duff K, Ying J, Suhrie KR. Computerized cognitive training in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized clinical trial[J]. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, 2022, 35(3): 400-409.
27.	Kim JH, Han JY, Park GC. Cognitive improvement effects of electroacupuncture combined with computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial[J]. Brain Sci, 2020, 10(12): 984.
28.	Lee GJ, Bang HJ, Lee KM. A comparison of the effects between two computerized cognitive training programs, Bettercog and COMCOG, on elderly patients with MCI and mild dementia: a single-blind randomized controlled study[J]. Medicine, 2018, 97(45): e13007.
29.	Park JH, Park JH. Does cognition-specific computer training have better clinical outcomes than non-specific computer training. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial[J]. Clin Rehabil, 2018, 32(2): 213-222.
30.	Bevilacqua R, Felici E, Cucchieri G. Results of the Italian RESILIEN-T pilot study: a mobile health tool to support older people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. J Clin Med, 2023, 12(19): 6129.
31.	Finn M, McDonald S. Computerised cognitive training for older persons with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot study using a randomised controlled trial design[J]. Brain Impair, 2011, 12: 187-199.
32.	Li BY, He NY, Qiao Y. Computerized cognitive training for Chinese mild cognitive impairment patients: a neuropsychological and fMRI study[J]. Neuroimage Clin, 2019, 22: 101691.
33.	Nousia A, Martzoukou M, Siokas V. Beneficial effect of computer-based multidomain cognitive training in patients with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Appl Neuropsychol Adult, 2021, 28(6): 717-726.
34.	王雪梅. 計算機化認知訓練對輕度認知障礙老年人認知功能的影響[D]. 石家莊: 河北醫科大學, 2022.
35.	袁水蓮, 鐘靜, 郭隆潤. 計算機認知矯正治療對輕度認知功能障礙患者認知功能的影響[J]. 贛南醫學院學報, 2021, (7): 728-730.
36.	張薇, 李艷玲. 計算機游戲式認知功能訓練聯合丁苯酞軟膠囊在血管性輕度認知障礙老年人中的應用效果[J]. 中國醫藥導報, 2023, 20(14): 70-75, 85.
37.	Connolly EM, Slight S, Ardle RM. How does a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment impact everyday behaviours, quality of life and healthcare utilisation. A systematic review of people with MCI and their carers[J]. Alzheimers Dement, 2022, 18: e062834.
38.	Xing Y, Zhu Z, Du Y. The efficacy of cognitive training in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (COG-REAGENT): protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial[J]. J Alzheimers Dis, 2020, 75: 779-787.
39.	Kueider AM, Parisi JM, Gross AL. Computerized cognitive training with older adults: a systematic review[J]. PLoS One, 2012, 7(7): e40588.
40.	Gao M, Huang L, Yi J. The effectiveness of computerized cognitive training in patients with poststroke cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2025, 27: e73140.
41.	Fernández-Ballesteros R, Zamarrón MD, Tàrraga L. Learning potential: a new method for assessing cognitive impairment[J]. Int Psychogeriatr, 2005, 17(1): 119-128.
42.	Liu Z, Jia J. Application and prospects of computer-based cognitive training technology in improving cognitive function in the elderly[J]. Chin J Stroke, 2021, 16(3): 246-250.
43.	Leung IH, Walton CC, Hallock H. Beneficial effect of cognitive training in Parkinson disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Neurology, 2015, 85(21): 1843-1851.
44.	Kim M, Lim K. Effects of a computerized cognitive training on cognitive function, depression, self-esteem, and activities of daily living among older adults with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Korean J Adult Nurs, 2016, 28: 691-700.

1. Pinyopornpanish K, Buawangpong N, Soontornpun A. A household survey of the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment among urban community-dwelling adults aged 30 to 65[J]. Sci Rep, 2024, 14(1): 7783.
2. Jekel K, Damian M, Wattmo C. Mild cognitive impairment and deficits in instrumental activities of daily living: a systematic review[J]. Alzheimers Res Ther, 2015, 7(1): 17.
3. Wang YQ, Jia RX, Liang JH. Effects of non-pharmacological therapies for people with mild cognitive impairment. A Bayesian network meta-analysis[J]. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry, 2020, 35(6): 591-600.
4. Salari N, Lotfi F, Abdolmaleki A. The global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in geriatric population with emphasis on influential factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. BMC Geriatr, 2025, 25: 313.
5. Petersen RC, Roberts RO, Knopman DS. Mild cognitive impairment: ten years later[J]. Arch Neurol, 2009, 66(12): 1447-1455.
6. Dieckelmann M, González-González AI, Banzer W. Effectiveness of exercise interventions to improve long-term outcomes in people living with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Sci Rep, 2023, 13(1): 18074.
7. Chen P, Cai H, Bai W. Global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among older adults living in nursing homes: a meta-analysis and systematic review of epidemiological surveys[J]. Transl Psychiatry, 2023, 13(1): 88.
8. Anderson ND. State of the science on mild cognitive impairment (MCI)[J]. CNS Spectr, 2019, 24(1): 78-87.
9. Chan ATC, Ip RTF, Tran JYS. Computerized cognitive training for memory functions in mild cognitive impairment or dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. NPJ Digit Med, 2024, 7(1): 1.
10. Martin M, Clare L, Altgassen AM. Cognition-based interventions for healthy older people and people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2011, (1): CD006220.
11. Jo K, Jhoo JH, Mun YJ. The effect of cognitive intervention on cognitive improvement in patients with dementia[J]. Dement Neurocogn Disord, 2018, 17(1): 23-31.
12. Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ. Practice guideline update summary: mild cognitive impairment: report of the guideline development, dissemination, and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology[J]. Neurology, 2018, 90(3): 126-135.
13. Zhang H, Huntley J, Bhome R. Effect of computerised cognitive training on cognitive outcomes in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. BMJ Open, 2019, 9(8): e027062.
14. Jak AJ, Seelye AM, Jurick SM. Crosswords to computers: a critical review of popular approaches to cognitive enhancement[J]. Neuropsychol Rev, 2013, 23(1): 13-26.
15. Li R, Geng J, Yang R. Effectiveness of computerized cognitive training in delaying cognitive function decline in people with mild cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2022, 24(10): e38624.
16. Gates NJ, Vernooij RW, Di Nisio M. Computerised cognitive training for preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019, (3): CD012279.
17. Zuschnegg J, Schoberer D, H?ussl A. Effectiveness of computer-based interventions for community-dwelling people with cognitive decline: a systematic review with meta-analyses[J]. BMC Geriatr, 2023, 23(1): 229.
18. Higgins JPT, Altman DG, G?tzsche PC. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials[J]. BMJ, 2011, 343: d5928.
19. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Schünemann HJ. GRADE guidelines: a new series of articles in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology[J]. J Clin Epidemiol, 2011, 64(4): 380-382.
20. Wang Y, Liu M, Tan Y. Effectiveness of dance-based interventions on depression for persons with MCI and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Front Psychol, 2022, 12: 709208.
21. 王丹, 翟俊霞, 牟振云, 等. Meta分析中的異質性及其處理方法[J]. 中國循證醫學雜志, 2009, 9(10): 1115-1118.
22. Bahar-Fuchs A, Webb S, Bartsch L. Tailored and adaptive computerized cognitive training in older adults at risk for dementia: a randomized controlled trial[J]. J Alzheimers Dis, 2017, 60(3): 889-911.
23. Bernini S, Alloni A, Panzarasa S. A computer-based cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease[J]. NeuroRehabilitation, 2019, 44(4): 555-567.
24. Bernini S, Panzarasa S, Barbieri M. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of cognitive training delivered using two different methods in mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: preliminary report of benefits associated with the use of a computerized tool[J]. Aging Clin Exp Res, 2021, 33(6): 1567-1575.
25. Djabelkhir L, Wu YH, Vidal JS. Computerized cognitive stimulation and engagement programs in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: comparing feasibility, acceptability, and cognitive and psychosocial effects[J]. Clin Interv Aging, 2017, 12: 1967-1975.
26. Duff K, Ying J, Suhrie KR. Computerized cognitive training in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized clinical trial[J]. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, 2022, 35(3): 400-409.
27. Kim JH, Han JY, Park GC. Cognitive improvement effects of electroacupuncture combined with computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial[J]. Brain Sci, 2020, 10(12): 984.
28. Lee GJ, Bang HJ, Lee KM. A comparison of the effects between two computerized cognitive training programs, Bettercog and COMCOG, on elderly patients with MCI and mild dementia: a single-blind randomized controlled study[J]. Medicine, 2018, 97(45): e13007.
29. Park JH, Park JH. Does cognition-specific computer training have better clinical outcomes than non-specific computer training. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial[J]. Clin Rehabil, 2018, 32(2): 213-222.
30. Bevilacqua R, Felici E, Cucchieri G. Results of the Italian RESILIEN-T pilot study: a mobile health tool to support older people with mild cognitive impairment[J]. J Clin Med, 2023, 12(19): 6129.
31. Finn M, McDonald S. Computerised cognitive training for older persons with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot study using a randomised controlled trial design[J]. Brain Impair, 2011, 12: 187-199.
32. Li BY, He NY, Qiao Y. Computerized cognitive training for Chinese mild cognitive impairment patients: a neuropsychological and fMRI study[J]. Neuroimage Clin, 2019, 22: 101691.
33. Nousia A, Martzoukou M, Siokas V. Beneficial effect of computer-based multidomain cognitive training in patients with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Appl Neuropsychol Adult, 2021, 28(6): 717-726.
34. 王雪梅. 計算機化認知訓練對輕度認知障礙老年人認知功能的影響[D]. 石家莊: 河北醫科大學, 2022.
35. 袁水蓮, 鐘靜, 郭隆潤. 計算機認知矯正治療對輕度認知功能障礙患者認知功能的影響[J]. 贛南醫學院學報, 2021, (7): 728-730.
36. 張薇, 李艷玲. 計算機游戲式認知功能訓練聯合丁苯酞軟膠囊在血管性輕度認知障礙老年人中的應用效果[J]. 中國醫藥導報, 2023, 20(14): 70-75, 85.
37. Connolly EM, Slight S, Ardle RM. How does a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment impact everyday behaviours, quality of life and healthcare utilisation. A systematic review of people with MCI and their carers[J]. Alzheimers Dement, 2022, 18: e062834.
38. Xing Y, Zhu Z, Du Y. The efficacy of cognitive training in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (COG-REAGENT): protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial[J]. J Alzheimers Dis, 2020, 75: 779-787.
39. Kueider AM, Parisi JM, Gross AL. Computerized cognitive training with older adults: a systematic review[J]. PLoS One, 2012, 7(7): e40588.
40. Gao M, Huang L, Yi J. The effectiveness of computerized cognitive training in patients with poststroke cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2025, 27: e73140.
41. Fernández-Ballesteros R, Zamarrón MD, Tàrraga L. Learning potential: a new method for assessing cognitive impairment[J]. Int Psychogeriatr, 2005, 17(1): 119-128.
42. Liu Z, Jia J. Application and prospects of computer-based cognitive training technology in improving cognitive function in the elderly[J]. Chin J Stroke, 2021, 16(3): 246-250.
43. Leung IH, Walton CC, Hallock H. Beneficial effect of cognitive training in Parkinson disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Neurology, 2015, 85(21): 1843-1851.
44. Kim M, Lim K. Effects of a computerized cognitive training on cognitive function, depression, self-esteem, and activities of daily living among older adults with mild cognitive impairment[J]. Korean J Adult Nurs, 2016, 28: 691-700.

Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine

Effects of computerized cognitive training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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