Digital health interventions for older adults with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment represent critical windows for intervention as early stages of dementia progression. Although digital health interventions have shown potential in enhancing cognitive performance and slowing cognitive decline, their clinical efficacy remains a subject of debate. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of digital health interventions on cognition, emotion, functional ability, and quality of life in older adults with SCD and MCI. METHODS: We searched five databases for randomized controlled trials published until August 2025. Eligible studies involved adults aged 60 years or older with SCD or MCI receiving a digital health intervention versus usual care or conventional non-digital interventions. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. RESULTS: Fifteen trials (N = 829) were included. The meta-analysis showed that digital health interventions significantly improved cognitive function (SMD = 0.387, 95% CI: 0.052–0.723; I2 = 66%) and functional ability (MD = 1.364, 95% CI: 0.937–1.790, I2 = 0.0%). However, no significant effects were observed for emotional status (SMD = -0.192, 95% CI: -0.405–0.021, I2 = 0.0%) or quality of life (MD = -0.660, 95% CI:-2.730–1.409, I2 = 0.0%). The small number of studies limited quantitative synthesis for specific cognitive domains.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 829 participants or records.
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