title: Computer-Based Cognitive Programs for Improvement of Memory, Processing Speed and Executive Function during Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies have assessed the effects of computer-based cognitive programs (CCP) in the management of age-related cognitive decline, but the role of CCP remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review evaluated the evidence on the efficacy of CCP for age-related cognitive decline in healthy older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six electronic databases (through October 2014) were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of a random-effects model were calculated. The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic and quantified with the I2 index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve studies were included in the current review and were considered as moderate to high methodological quality. The aggregated results indicate that CCP improves memory performance (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.45; p < 0.0001) and processing speed (SMD, 0.50; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.87; p = 0.007) but not executive function (SMD, -0.12; 95% CI -0.33 to 0.09; p = 0.27). Furthermore, there were long-term gains in memory performance (SMD, 0.59; 95% CI 0.13 to 1.05; p = 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CCP may be a valid complementary and alternative therapy for age-related cognitive decline, especially for memory performance and processing speed. However, more studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to confirm the current findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Yan-kun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mang
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency, Beijing Bo Ai Hospital & China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Pei-lan
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency, Beijing Bo Ai Hospital & China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Zhong-xin
authors.initials: ZX
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D000066492:Cognitive Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*