Meta-analysis of cognition-focused intervention for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Abstract

Objectives: Early detection and intervention allowed patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia to receive appropriate services for delaying the progress of the neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of the current study was to provide evidence on cognitive-based intervention for patients with MCI and dementia, by systematically evaluating the extensive literature on the efficacy of cognitive intervention. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using a meta-analysis method (CMA2, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis-II, 2005). Twenty studies, meeting the inclusion criteria, were entered into the analysis. The sizes of the effects were computed using a random effect model and a standardized mean difference. Results: There were three main findings. First, the results of meta-analysis indicated that a cognitive-focused intervention was generally effective for patients with MCI and dementia. Second, the cognitive stimulation program was the most effective program on patients with MCI and dementia. Lastly, in the detailed analysis of each item, the result revealed that patients with MCI had positive effect on memory, and patients with dementia had positive effects on language domains including verbal fluency as well as cognitive domains such as memory. Conclusion: The results from the present study suggest that the cognitive stimulation programs are effective and beneficial for patients with MCI and dementia in improving their memory and language abilities. © 2014 Korean Academy of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.