Effect of cognitive improvement programs for mild cognitive impairment in Korean elderly: A meta-analysis

Purpose: A meta-analysis was conducted to identify the effect of cognitive improvement programs for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Korea. Methods: Five databases, as well as relevant reference lists, of studies published from 2000 to 2016, were searched. Fourteen studies were identified. Quality assessments of included studies were conducted using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist. An R program was used to analyze effect sizes and to identify possible sources of heterogeneity among studies. The potential for publication bias was investigated using a funnel plot, Egger's regression test and sensitivity analysis. Results: The total effect size was large (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]=1.44, 95% CI: 1.11~1.77), with cognition based intervention (SMD= 1.77, 95% CI: 1.26~2.29) and exercise intervention (SMD=1.13, 95% CI: 0.82~1.44). Statistically significant moderators were identified intervention type by meta-ANOVA analyses. Finally, no significant evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusion: There is clear evidence that cognitive improvement programs can greatly enhance cognition in elderly with MCI. Future research should examine the effects of non-pharmacological interventions targeting elderly populations with mild-to-severe cognitive impairment in order to develop and enhance the effectiveness of cognitive improvement programs in Korea.