Study |
Sample size (n) |
Cognitive training |
Control condition |
Duration (min/week) |
Total sessions (n) |
Follow-up (months) |
Significant training and near transfer effects |
Significant far transfer effects |
Ref. |
Ball et al. (ACTIVE) |
2832 healthy older adults randomly assigned |
Three training groups: memory strategy, reasoning and computerized speed of processing |
No contact |
120–150 |
10 |
24 |
Domain of targeted training |
ADL, IADL and driving habits questionnaire |
[48] |
Willis et al. (ACTIVE) |
67% of original sample |
See above |
See above |
See above |
See above |
72 |
Domain of targeted training |
IADL |
[46] |
Smith et al. (IMPACT) |
487 healthy older adults |
Auditory information processing (Posit Science, CA, USA) |
Active |
300 |
40–50 |
8 weeks |
Attention, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities |
Auditory memory and attention |
[51] |
Mahncke et al. (IMPACT) |
182 healthy older adults |
Auditory information processing (Posit Science) |
Active contact and no contact |
240 |
40 |
3 |
Attention, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities |
Not reported |
[50] |
Engviv et al.
|
22 healthy older adults |
Memory strategy (method of loci) |
No contact |
60 |
8 |
2 |
Word recognition and source memory |
Volumetric changes in structural MRI |
[52] |
Kurz et al.
|
18 MCI and 10 AD patients |
Activity planning, self-assertiveness training, relaxation techniques, stress management, use of external memory aids, memory training and motor exercise |
Wait list |
1320 |
20 |
1 |
Verbal and nonverbal episodic memory in MCI; no change in AD |
ADL and mood in MCI; no change in AD |
[53] |
Troyer et al.
|
50 MCI patients |
Memory strategy training (spaced retrieval, memory book, semantic association, logical location) within a larger mixed intervention |
Wait list |
25 |
10 |
3 |
Episodic recall, digit span and laboratory memory strategy use |
Everyday memory strategy knowledge and use, multifactorial memory questionnaire |
[54] |
Belleville et al.
|
20 MCI patients |
Memory strategy training |
Wait list |
120 |
8 |
2 |
Episodic recall of lists and face–name associations |
Subjective memory and well-being |
[55] |
Barnes et al.
|
47 MCI patients |
Auditory information processing (Posit Science) |
Active |
500 |
30 |
– |
Attention, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities and verbal fluency |
GDS |
[79] |
Rozzini et al.
|
59 MCI patients |
Computerized training of attention, reasoning, visuospatial abilities with ChEI |
No contact and ChEI alone |
12 |
72 |
3 |
Memory, verbal fluency, Raven's matrices |
MMSE, behavioral disturbances; depressive symptoms |
[80] |
Rapp et al.
|
19 MCI patients |
Memory strategy training (cueing, categorization, chunking, method of loci) within a larger, multifaceted intervention |
No contact |
6 |
96 |
6 |
Memory functioning questionnaire, memory controllability questionnaire, episodic recall (words, stories, grocery lists, names and faces) |
Profile of mood states |
[81] |
Requena et al.
|
86 AD patients |
Computerized cognitive training with ChEI |
Active |
225 |
520 |
– |
– |
MMSE, GDS ADAS-Cog |
[82] |
Galante et al.
|
11 AD patients |
Multidomain computer training, NPT |
Active |
180 |
12 |
9 |
Prose memory, word repetition test, Corsi blocks, Raven's matrices, digit cancellation, semantic and phonemic fluency, constructional and ideomotor apraxia |
MMSE, NPI, GDS, IADL, basic ADL |
[83] |
Cahn-Weiner et al.
|
34 AD patients |
Memory strategy training |
Active |
45 |
6 |
2 |
Verbal and visuospatial memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial processing speed |
ADL |
[84] |
Loewenstein et al.
|
44 AD patients |
Cognitive rehabilitation training |
Active |
90 |
24 |
3 |
Face–name association, orientation, object memory, change (for purchase), balancing checkbook, continuous performance test |
MMSE, basic ADL, depression |
[85] |
Olazaran et al.
|
72 AD, 12 MCI patients |
Multidomain training (pen and paper) |
Active |
60 |
103 |
12 |
– |
MMSE, functional activities questionnaire, GDS ADAS-Cog |
[86] |
Davis et al.
|
37 AD patients |
Memory strategy and attention training |
Active |
60 |
5 |
– |
Logical memory test, visual reproduction test, digit span test, verbal series attention test and verbal fluency test |
MMSE, quality of life assessment and GDS |
[87] |
Tarraga et al.
|
46 AD patients |
Multidomain (attention, gnosis language, memory, orientation, calculation), internet-based program within a multifactorial intervention |
Active |
75 |
72 |
5.5 |
Verbal fluency and story recall |
ADAS-Cog, MMSE, rapid disability rating scale-2 and GDS |
[88] |