Electronic devices for cognitive impairment screening: a systematic literature review

Abstract

[EN] To estimate the efficacy of computer-based cognitive interventions for improving cognition in people with dementia (PWD). 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. 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 = 1.02-0.37; P < 0.0001; I(2) = 29%), [corrected] depression (SMD 0.47; 95% CI = 0.16-0.78; P = 0.003; I(2) = 0%) and anxiety (SMD 0.55; 95% CI = 0.07-1.04; P < 0.03; I(2) = 42%). [corrected]. They benefited significantly more from the computer-based cognitive interventions than from the non-computer-based interventions in cognition (SMD 0.48; 95% CI = 0.09-0.87; [corrected] P = 0.02; I(2) = 2%). Computer-based cognitive interventions have moderate effects in cognition and [corrected] anxiety and small effects in depression in PWD. No significant effects were found on activities of daily living. They led to superior results compared to non-computer-based interventions in cognition. Further research is needed on cognitive recreation and cognitive stimulation. There is also a need for longer term [corrected] follow-up to examine the potential retention of treatment effects, and for the design of specific outcome measures.

[ES] El diagnóstico precoz del deterioro cognitivo es clave para el acceso a tratamientos eficaces. Los métodos de cribado por ordenador han demostrado ventajas con respecto a los de lápiz y papel. A pesar de la amplia oferta de este tipo de instrumentos, aspectos como su usabilidad, la experiencia de usuario y la posibilidad de ser administrados de manera independiente no han sido estudiados. Así mismo, existen áreas que pueden indicar precozmente la aparición del deterioro cognitivo, pero que tradicionalmente no han sido valoradas como marcadores del mismo, como aspectos conductuales (monitorización de actividades de la vida diaria), emocionales (capacidad de reconocer emociones), etc. En los últimos años se ha comenzado a estudiar su potencial en la detección del deterioro cognitivo ya sea como alternativa a las baterías tradicionales o de manera complementaria a las mismas.