Computerized Cognitive Training and 24-Month Mortality in Heart Failure

Abstract

Background Cognitive dysfunction predicts mortality in heart failure (HF). Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has shown preliminary efficacy in improving cognitive function. However, the relationship between CCT and mortality is unclear. Aims were to evaluate (1) long-term efficacy of CCT in reducing 24-month mortality and (2) age, HF severity, global cognition, memory, working memory, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life as predictors of 24-month mortality among patients with HF. Methods In this prospective longitudinal study, 142 patients enrolled in a 3-arm randomized controlled trial were followed for 24 months. Logistic regression was used to achieve the aims. Results Across 24 months, 16 patients died (CCT, 8.3%; control groups, 12.8%). Computerized cognitive training did not predict 24-month mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.65). Older age (OR, 1.08), worse global cognition (OR, 0.73), memory (OR, 0.81), and depressive symptoms (OR, 1.10) at baseline predicted 24-month mortality. Conclusions Efficacious interventions are needed to improve global cognition, memory, and depressive symptoms and reduce mortality in HF.

Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024 at the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

“…A hallmark of JCN has been the outstanding research that advances heart failure nursing including landmark heart failure self-care theory, 6–8 innovative interventions, 9–11 and advances in heart failure symptom science 12–15 . These articles, along with a collection of heart failure caregiver research, can be found in the special collections section of the JCN website.…”