Computer-aided cognitive training in patients with neurocognitive vascular impairment: effects on cognition, depression and behavior

Aim. The study evaluated the efficacy of computer-aided cognitive training program on cognitive measures, behavioral and depressive symptoms in persons suffering from Major Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder (vNCD). Methods. Retrospective study on a panel of 55 subjects with vNCD divided into a treatment group (n. 31) and a control group (n. 24) evaluated at baseline (T0) and at endpoint (T1) at 24 weeks. All subjects received the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montgomery and Aasberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-P). The treatment group underwent a 24 weeks of computer-aided cognitive training. Results. Significant better performances of the treatment group were recorded at T1on MMSE. A significant reduction of behavioral disorders was shown by the treatment group as compared to the control group. No effect was observed on depression. Conclusions. Computer aided cognitive training showed positive effects on both behavioral and cognitive dimensions in persons suffering from vNCD.