The following is a summary of “Improvements in performance based measures of functional capacity and cognition after computerized functional skills training in older people with mild cognitive impairment and healthy comparators,” published in the April 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Harvey et al.
People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have to suffer without any medication. However, some people have tried using computer training to help themselves with a computerized training program called FUNSAT.
Researchers conducted a prospective study to examine if the new, remote version of FUNSAT could help patients with MCI or NC (Normal Cognition) boost their thinking skills and everyday functioning.
They asked patients with MCI ( n=92) and NC (n=72) to try out this FUNSAT training program for up to 12 weeks. Half of the MCI group started with three weeks of computerized cognitive training (CCT). Then, they looked at how everyone’s thinking skills and daily functioning changed before, right after, and 30 days after the training.
After the training, the results showed that both cohorts improved their cognitive skills (d=0.80) and daily functioning (d= 0.64). The MCI group that did the extra CCT had similar improvements with fewer FUNSAT sessions required. This is the first study in which patients with MCI are helped with everyday functioning.
Investigators concluded that FUNSAT training has potential for folks with MCI and even those without. It might also show results in patients with schizophrenia, where improving daily functioning is a big deal.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178124000775
