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Effectiveness of Traditional and Computer-Based Cognitive Training on Cognitive Functions in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review
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Milad Karimi   , Elaham Alayiaboozar , Ahmadreza Khatoonabadi * |
| Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & 4- Department of Gerontology and Geriatric Rehabilitation, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (22 Views) |
Introduction: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is recognized as a stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by cognitive decline and an increased risk of progression to dementia. In recent years, cognitive training and computer-based cognitive training have received widespread attention as effective non-pharmacological interventions for maintaining and enhancing cognitive function in older adults. The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative review of the existing evidence on the effectiveness of these two approaches in older adults with MCI.
Methods: The present study is a narrative review in which a systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify articles published in English between January 2016 and June 2026. Keywords such as Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Training, and Computerized Cognitive Training were used. After initial screening, a total of 40 articles were ultimately included in the study, and the findings were classified according to cognitive domains: global cognition, memory, executive functions, attention, processing speed, and language.
Results: The results indicated that both traditional and computer-based approaches led to improvements in the cognitive function of older adults with MCI; however, their effectiveness was not uniform across different cognitive domains. The strongest and most consistent empirical evidence pertained to the effects of these interventions on memory (particularly working and episodic memory), executive functions, and global cognition, respectively. In contrast, the evidence regarding effectiveness on the domains of attention and processing speed was less consistent, and in the language domain, although improvements in verbal fluency and naming were observed, these effects were often indirect and reported with smaller effect sizes. Multi-domain interventions affected a broader range of cognitive domains compared to single-domain interventions.
Conclusion: Despite the promising results, the heterogeneity of intervention protocols, differences in follow-up durations, and limited sample sizes in some studies highlight the need for higher quality research with larger samples, longer follow-up periods, and the use of real-world functional outcomes to determine long-term effectiveness and develop clinical guidelines. Nevertheless, the transfer of these improvements to daily activities and the long-term sustainability of effects remain areas requiring further investigation.
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| Keywords: Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Training, Computer-Based Cognitive Training, Older Adults, Cognitive Functions |
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Eldely mental and psychological issues
Received: 2026/08/1 | Accepted: 2026/08/30 | Published: 2026/10/2
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