Individual and group computerized cognitive training for community-dwelling older adults: A quasi-experimental study investigating effects on cognition,mental health,and quality of life

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on cognition, mental health, and quality of life (QoL) in healthy older adults. One hundred thirty community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 71.5 ± 5.3 years, range 60–86; 93% women) chose either an individual home-based CCT program or a group-based CCT program delivered at a university center. Both groups participated in weekly 60-minute sessions for 20 weeks. Validated measures were used to assess cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Naming of Pictures and Their Recall, animal verbal fluency), mental health (Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory), and QoL (Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire–Brief). Wilcoxon tests showed small to medium improvements in cognitive and emotional outcomes within each group, with greater cognitive gains in the group-based format (e.g. MoCA total: p = 0.027; MoCA memory domain: p = 0.029; Naming of Pictures and Their Recall: p = 0.023). No significant change was found for QoL. These findings suggest that group-based CCT, which incorporates regular social interaction, may be a promising and scalable approach to promoting cognitive and emotional well-being among older adults in community settings.