Effectiveness of online‐based cognitive intervention in community‐dwelling older adults with cognitive dysfunction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia imposes a substantial burden on patients, families, and social systems. For MCI or mild dementia patient, cognitive training is required to prevent progression to dementia. With advances in digital health, cognitive interventions using information and communication technology (ICT) have become essential for maintaining independence and functioning in dementia patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an ICT‐based cognitive intervention in community‐dwelling older adults with MCI or mild dementia. METHODS: A literature search was performed in four databases: Ovid‐Medline, Ovid‐EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. We selected studies published up to April 15, 2021, on topics related to cognitive interventions using ICT in older adults with MCI or mild dementia. RESULTS: Forty‐four studies were included in the analysis. Our meta‐analysis showed that ICT‐based cognitive interventions significantly improved the Mini‐Mental State Examination score in the intervention group compared with that in the control group. Additionally, cognitive training using ICT was significantly effective for a period of more than 30 min, more than 6 weeks, and multi‐domain content. Moreover, a significant reduction in depression was found in the intervention group compared with that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: ICT‐based cognitive intervention had a positive effect on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in older adults with MCI or mild dementia. Application of ICT‐based cognitive training to community‐dwelling older adults with MCI or mild dementia should be expanded, and nurses should play a pivotal role in mediating between these older adults.