Training of attentional control in mild cognitive impairment with executive deficits: Results from a double-blind randomised controlled study

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

“…The second study reported a medium effect size (d= .36) but no significant differences at 3-and 12-month follow ups were demonstrated (43). Individuals living with MCI receiving CCT improved on accuracy and reaction time (RT) post-intervention (d= 1.00) on a divided attention visual detection task where the control group (receiving rote practice of a computerised task) only improved on RT (48). When the authors analysed the data in terms of dual-task cost (proportional loss of performance in divided attention condition compared to focused attention condition) again the CCT participants showed a significant improvement in terms of accuracy (d= 1.09).…”

“…Nine studies included an active control (39, 42, 44-46, 48, 55, 57, 65), which involved participants participating in activities for an equivalent time as the intervention group. Active control conditions varied amongst studies and included passive computer activities (44,48,55), pen and paper cognitive tasks (46), a semi-structured interview on current affairs (65) or a conversation with a psychologist (39). Alternatively, a control group of individuals living with multiple systems atrophy were included in one study as these were hypothesised not to improve from intervention (52).…”

“…Five studies assessed processing speed: one utilised the Useful Field of View test (UFOV) (47) within group for two studies (51,52) and although improvements were demonstrated the final study used rote practice of a computerised task as a control and there were no significant differences to the CCT intervention group (computerised divided attention training on a dual task varying allocation priorities and involving feedback) (48). The final study assessed individuals living with MCI compared to an active control (assorted computer activities for an equivalent amount of time) and no improvements were demonstrated on the Trail Making Test (44).…”

“…Recruitment was most commonly from residential accommodation and memory clinics (48,(54)(55)(56)(57) and all participants lived in the community or residential accommodation. Twelve studies applied formal diagnostic criteria to determine cognitive impairment status of participants.…”

“…The majority of participants (n=559 from 13 studies) were diagnosed with MCI but 38.5% of the total number of studies included were of participants with dementia (n=159 from 5 studies), while two studies combined individuals living with MCI and dementia (52, 58). Petersen's criteria (59) was applied in six studies (43,46,48,58,60,61); a standardized clinical criteria consistent with recommendation of an international consensus committee (62) was applied in two studies (44,45); the Clinical Dementia Scale (63) was applied in one study (57); and a cut off of 1.5 standard deviations below age norms on a neurocognitive battery (47) was applied in one study (57). Due to inconsistencies in Alzheimer's Disease and dementia terminology in the literature and among clinicians, we refer below to dementia as the generic term.…”