Systematic Review of Neuropsychological Outcomes in Dementia from Cognition-Based Psychological Interventions

Abstract

Although there is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of cognition-based psychological interventions in dementia, little is known about which neuropsychological domains are more amenable to change. A systematic search identified randomised controlled trials grouped according to intervention type (cognitive training/cognitive stimulation). Methodological quality was evaluated. Of the 129 studies identified, 18 met the inclusion criteria; 11 were 'Cognitive Training' and 7 'Cognitive Stimulation'. For Cognitive Training, it was not possible to conclude which (if any) domains are most amenable to change. For Cognitive Stimulation, there was good evidence for general cognitive enhancement, more specifically in language and memory. Further in-depth trials are needed to determine neuropsychological processes more clearly.