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. 2017 Jul 10;17(1):139.
doi: 10.1186/s12877-017-0529-x.

Effects of computerized cognitive training on neuroimaging outcomes in older adults: a systematic review

Lisanne F Ten Brinke  1 , Jennifer C Davis  1 , Cindy K Barha  1 , Teresa Liu-Ambrose  2
Affiliations

Effects of computerized cognitive training on neuroimaging outcomes in older adults: a systematic review

Lisanne F Ten Brinke et al. BMC Geriatr. .

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the population is aging and the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia is rising rapidly. Currently, there are no effective pharmaceutical cures. Hence, identifying lifestyle approaches that may prevent, delay, or treat cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults is becoming increasingly important. Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) is a promising strategy to combat cognitive decline. Yet, the underlying mechanisms of the effect of CCT on cognition remain poorly understood. Hence, the primary objective of this systematic review was to examine peer-reviewed literature ascertaining the effect of CCT on both structural and functional neuroimaging measures among older adults to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms by which CCT may benefit cognitive function.

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we used the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Two independent reviewers abstracted data using pre-defined terms. These included: main study characteristics such as the type of training (i.e., single- versus multi-domain), participant demographics (age ≥ 50 years; no psychiatric conditions), and the inclusion of neuroimaging outcomes. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess quality of all studies included in this systematic review.

Results: Nine studies were included in this systematic review, with four studies including multiple MRI sequences. Results of this systematic review are mixed: CCT was found to increase and decrease both brain structure and function in older adults. In addition, depending on region of interest, both increases and decreases in structure and function were associated with behavioural performance.

Conclusions: Of all studies included in this systematic review, results from the highest quality studies, which were two randomized controlled trials, demonstrated that multi-domain CCT could lead to increases in hippocampal functional connectivity. Further high quality studies that include an active control, a sample size calculation, and an appropriate training dosage, are needed to confirm these findings and their relation to cognition.

Keywords: Brain function; Brain structure; Computerized cognitive training; Neuroimaging; Older adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors’ information

LTB is a Mitacs Accelerate Doctoral Trainee. CKB is a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Postdoctoral Fellow. TLA is a Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(a) Search Strategy retrieved from Ovid; (b) Exclusion pathway for study selection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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