Computer-based cognitive interventions for people living with dementia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACTObjectives: To estimate the efficacy of computer-based cognitive interventions for improving cognition in people with dementia (PWD).Method: Online literature databases were searched for relevant studies. Interventions were categorised as follows: cognitive recreation, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation or cognitive training. A systematic review, quality assessment and meta-analyses were conducted.Results: Twelve studies were identified. Their methodological quality was acceptable according to Downs & Black criteria, the weakest methodological area being the external validity. The meta-analyses indicated cognitive interventions lead to beneficial effects on cognition in PWD (SMD −0.69; 95% CI = −1.02 to −0.37; P < 0.0001; I2 = 29%), depression (SMD 0.47; 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.78; p = 0.003; I2 = 0%) and anxiety (SMD 0.55; 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.04; P < 0.03; I2 = 42%). They benefited significantly more from the computer-based cognitive interventions than from the non-computer-based intervent...