Effects of mobile-based cognitive interventions for the cognitive function in the community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cognitive interventions that can be operated using mobile gadgets could facilitate the maintenance and improvement in the cognitive function of the community-dwelling elderly. The aims of this study was to estimate influences for mobile-based cognitive interventions in the community-dwelling elderly. A systematic literature search were conducted using various databases such as the Cochrane Library, PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Published articles up to August 2021 were searched without period limit. Integrated and analyzed RCTs' results that identified the effects of mobile -based cognitive interventions on the cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function. A meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 version. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Registered with PROSPERO, the registration number is CRD42021268788. Overall, 6 randomized controlled trials identified from 400 articles were included in meta -analysis. The mobile-based cognitive interventions were found to have a significant effect on the short-term memory [standardized mean difference(SMD)= 0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.13,0.32; p<.001; I2=0%], working memory (SMD=0.70; 95% CI=0.02,1.37; p=.040; I2=81%), reasoning (SMD=0.27; 95% CI=0.11,0.42; p<.001; I2=25%), and executive function (SMD=0.62; 95% CI=0.09,1.16; p=.020; I2=0%). Finally, Egger's regression test and a funnel plot were conducted to examine publication bias; however, there was no significant bias. The mobile-based cognitive interventions had significantly affirmative effect on the older adults' executive function, reasoning, short-term memory, and working memory. Such programs may be employed as a supportive or an alternative method for improving their cognitive functions.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of mobile-based cognitive interventions on the cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials revealed that these interventions had significant positive effects on the executive function, reasoning, short-term memory, and working memory of older adults. The findings suggest that mobile-based cognitive interventions can be used as a supportive or alternative method for improving cognitive function in the elderly.