Computerized and Virtual Reality Cognitive Training for Individuals at High Risk of Cognitive Decline: Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cognitive training, specifically computerized cognitive training (CCT) and virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT), programs for individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and therefore at high risk of cognitive decline. After searching a range of academic databases (CINHAL, PSYCinfo, and Web of Science), the studies evaluated (N = 16) were categorized as CCT (N = 10), VRCT (N = 3), and multimodal interventions (N = 3). Effect sizes were calculated, but a meta-analysis was not possible because of the large variability of study design and outcome measures adopted. The cognitive domains of attention, executive function, and memory (visual and verbal) showed the most consistent improvements. The positive effects on psychological outcomes (N = 6) were significant reductions on depressive symptoms (N = 3) and anxiety (N = 2) and improved perceived use of memory strategy (N = 1). Assessments of activities of daily living demonstrated no significant improvements (N = 8). Follow-up studies (N = 5) demonstrated long-term improvements in cognitive and psychological outcomes (N = 3), and the intervention groups showed a plateau effect of cognitive functioning compared with the cognitive decline experienced by control groups (N = 2). CCT and VRCT were moderately effective in long-term improvement of cognition for those at high risk of cognitive decline. Total intervention time did not mediate efficacy. Future research needs to improve study design by including larger samples, longitudinal designs, and a greater range of outcome measures, including functional and quality of life measures, to assess the wider effect of cognitive training on individuals at high risk of cognitive decline.

Computerized Structured Cognitive Training in Patients Affected by Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease is Feasible and Effective: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…More recently, a systematic review of the literature (Coyle et al, 2015) focused on computerized cognitive training (CCT) and virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) for individuals at high risk of cognitive decline. The studies evaluated (N = 16) were categorized as CCT (N = 10), VRCT (N = 3), and multimodal interventions (N = 3).…”

A Mobile App (iBeni) With a Neuropsychological Basis for Cognitive Stimulation for Elderly Adults: Pilot and Validation Study (Preprint)

“…Likewise, some studies have demonstrated that cognitive improvement does not transfer easily to the realisation of new tasks and that these yield better results when established in a repetitive and increasing manner (difficulty levels) [24]. Similarly, other studies have shown that cognitive stimulation interventions can be administered not only through therapist instruction, but also through computerized technology [25][26] Over the last years, interest has thus been focused on interventions specially based on computerized cognitive stimulation or technologically-assisted cognitive stimulation.…”

“…Similarly, other studies have shown that cognitive stimulation interventions can be administered not only through therapist instruction, but also through computerized technology [25][26] Over the last years, interest has thus been focused on interventions specially based on computerized cognitive stimulation or technologically-assisted cognitive stimulation. In terms of cognitive impact, this is clearly justified due to the fact that ICT-supported interventions can have a positive impact on attention measures, executive functions and memory [11,17,[20][21][22][24][25][26].…”

A methodological framework for exploring the applicability of virtual reality in cognitive disabilities care

“…Increasing and strengthening research activities related to VR platforms offers the possibility of more clearly ascertaining the potential efficacy of this technology as a useful tool for cognitive interventions in ADRD, including cognitive training (CT). A deeper knowledge and experience in this field is needed to allow the application of novel concepts, approaches, and methods to the treatment of dementia (Robert, Leroi, & Manera, 2016 Rather, most have used conventional graphic workstations to create non-immersive scenarios (Anguera et al, 2013b;Bartolomé, Zapirain, & Zorrilla, 2012;Burdea et al, 2013;Chapoulie & Guerchouche, 2014;Coyle, Traynor, & Solowij, 2015;Lee et al, 2014;Tarnanas et al, 2013;Tarnanas, Tsolaki, Nef, Müri, & Mosimann, 2014;Tu et al, 2015).…”

“…VR, a recent branch of ICT, has been suggested for use in some areas of neuropsychology (Coyle, Traynor, & Solowij, 2015 Emerging VR applications today address the challenge of diagnosis and cognitive training of MCI and ADRD patients, concentrating on navigation and orientation, face recognition, cognitive functionality, and other Instrumental IADL (Jekel et al, 2015). VR exposes cognitively impaired patients to computer-generated VEs providing a sensation of "presence" or "being there," for the patient to interact with in a multisensory fashion through quasi-naturalistic real-life-like stimuli.…”