The effect of computerized cognitive training on the improvement of cognitive functions of cognitively healthy elderly

The aim of this review is to describe the eff ects of computerized cognitive training on cognitive functions of cognitively healthy elderly living in a home environment or in a community based on selected studies. To search relevant studies, the following review question was set: Is computerized cognitive training in cognitively healthy elderly living in a home environment or in a community effective for improving cognitive functions? The search was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Bibliographica Medica Czechoslovaca databases using keywords and their combinations utilizing Boolean operators. Five systematic reviews and 18 original papers were included and further analyzed. The results of the analyzed systematic reviews indicate at least a small to moderate effect of computerized cognitive training on cognitive functions of seniors without cognitive impairment. While some of the analyzed primary studies indicate improvement of cognitive function in the trained areas without effect on other areas, other studies have shown an effect of computerized cognitive training also in other areas, e. g., improvement of visual spatial abilities, working memory, attention, executive functions, and delayed recall. Computerized cognitive training may have benefi ts in improving cognitive functions of elderly without cognitive impairment.