The Effects of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Working Memory in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57
Author(s):  
Katrine Svaerke ◽  
Miriam Niemeijer ◽  
Annemette Løkkegaard
2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Nousia ◽  
Maria Martzoukou ◽  
Zisis Tsouris ◽  
Vasileios Siokas ◽  
Athina-Maria Aloizou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most prevalent non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The present review focuses on published studies investigating the effect of computer-based cognitive training (CT) on neuropsychological performance in PD. Methods A systematic search of the PubMed database and Google Scholar was carried out. Randomized controlled studies published before September 2019, investigating the effect of computer-based CT (regardless of the comparator, active or placebo) on PD patients were included. Literature search, data extraction, and Risk of Bias (RoB) evaluation (based on the RoB Cochrane tool for Randomized Trials) were performed by two authors (A.N. and M.M), independently. Results Among 30 full-texts assessed for eligibility, seven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were involved in the qualitative analysis. The main outcomes of the retrieved studies (all studies used similar cognitive rehabilitation methodologies) were indicative of cognitive improvement in most cognitive domains, particularly memory, executive function, processing speed, and attention, that is, the domains primarily impaired in the disease. Conclusion Multidomain CT, which is exclusively based on computer software, leads to measurable improvements in most cognitive domains affected in patients with PD. The present review is the first to include studies assessing the effect of computer-based CT techniques without deploying CT with paper-pencil techniques. Limitations originate mainly due to the heterogeneity among included studies (differences in CT softwares, PD stages, number, and duration of training sessions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 429
Author(s):  
Itsasne Sanchez-Luengos ◽  
Yolanda Balboa-Bandeira ◽  
Olaia Lucas-Jiménez ◽  
Natalia Ojeda ◽  
Javier Peña ◽  
...  

Cognitive deficits influence the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In order to reduce the impact of cognitive impairment in PD, cognitive rehabilitation programs have been developed. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in non-demented PD patients. Twelve articles were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review showed that attention, working memory, verbal memory, executive functions and processing speed were the most frequently improved domains. Meta-analysis results showed moderate effects on global cognitive status (g = 0.55) and working memory (g = 0.50); small significant effects on verbal memory (g = 0.41), overall cognitive functions (g = 0.39) and executive functions (g = 0.30); small non-significant effects on attention (g = 0.36), visual memory (g = 0.29), verbal fluency (g = 0.27) and processing speed (g = 0.24); and no effect on visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities (g = 0.17). Depressive symptoms showed small effect (g = 0.24) and quality of life showed no effect (g = −0.07). A meta-regression was performed to examine moderating variables of overall cognitive function effects, although moderators did not explain the heterogeneity of the improvement after cognitive rehabilitation. The findings suggest that cognitive rehabilitation may be beneficial in improving cognition in non-demented PD patients, although further studies are needed to obtain more robust effects.


Author(s):  
Katrine Svaerke ◽  
Andreas Kirknaes Faerk ◽  
Asta Riis ◽  
Susanne Ebba Maja Stiegnitz von Ehrenfels ◽  
Jesper Mogensen ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has become increasingly recognized in recent years, and there is a need to identify methods for cognitive rehabilitation in PD patients. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and effects of 2 different computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) interventions on attention, executive functions, and quality of life (QoL) in PD patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty nondemented PD patients were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: one passive control group and 2 intervention groups with 2 different CBCR programmes. The intervention period was 8 weeks with follow-up visits in clinic every second week. Before and after the intervention period, patients were tested with a neuropsychological battery of attention, executive functions, and QoL. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-four patients completed the study. Patients in one of the CBCR groups experienced a significant within-group increase on the primary measures of attention, executive functions, and QoL. However, this effect was not significant between groups. No significant differences were observed for the other CBCR group or the control group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> CBCR is a feasible intervention for cognitive rehabilitation in nondemented PD patients. The effects of training were modest and should be further explored in larger clinical trials. Some CBCR programmes might be more effective than others for PD patients. The protocol for this study was published prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov on September 18, 2017 with ID: NCT03285347.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Josefa Domingos ◽  
Tamine Capato ◽  
Catarina Godinho

Exercise is widely recommended for people with Parkinson (PD). Boxing is a popular mode of training. However, including individuals with less favorable profiles may have a negative impact on participation. We performed a systematic review to study the patient characteristics that were included in boxing exercise programs research and reflect on the possible inclusion criteria that professionals can use for boxing exercise programs. Indications for the best profiles were limited due to the small number of studies. Boxing programs should include people with the diagnosis of PD in earlier stages, independently ambulatory, and without current severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular conditions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frouke A.P. Nijhuis ◽  
Rianne Esselink ◽  
Rob M.A. Bie ◽  
Hans Groenewoud ◽  
Bastiaan R. Bloem ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document