RT Journal Article
T1 Protocols for cognitive enhancement. A user manual for Brain Health Services-part 5 of 6
A1 Brioschi Guevara, Andrea
A1 Bieler, Melanie
A1 Altomare, Daniele
A1 Berthier, Marcelo
A1 Csajka, Chantal
A1 Dautricourt, Sophie
A1 Démonet, Jean-François
A1 Dodich, Alessandra
A1 Frisoni, Giovanni B.
A1 Miniussi, Carlo
A1 Molinuevo, José Luis
A1 Ribaldi, Federica
A1 Scheltens, Philip
A1 Chételat, Gael
K1 Subjective cognitive decline
K1 Cognitive enhancement
K1 Cognitive intervention
K1 Mindfulness meditation
K1 Physical training
K1 Non-invasive brain stimulation
K1 Drugs
K1 Brain health service
K1 Disfunción cognitiva
K1 Atención plena
K1 Meditación
K1 Acondicionamiento físico
AB Cognitive complaints in the absence of objective cognitive impairment, observed in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), are common in old age. The first step to postpone cognitive decline is to use techniques known to improve cognition, i.e., cognitive enhancement techniques.We aimed to provide clinical recommendations to improve cognitive performance in cognitively unimpaired individuals, by using cognitive, mental, or physical training (CMPT), non-invasive brain stimulations (NIBS), drugs, or nutrients. We made a systematic review of CMPT studies based on the GRADE method rating the strength of evidence.CMPT have clinically relevant effects on cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes. The quality of evidence supporting the improvement of outcomes following a CMPT was high for metamemory; moderate for executive functions, attention, global cognition, and generalization in daily life; and low for objective memory, subjective memory, motivation, mood, and quality of life, as well as a transfer to other cognitive functions. Regarding specific interventions, CMPT based on repeated practice (e.g., video games or mindfulness, but not physical training) improved attention and executive functions significantly, while CMPT based on strategic learning significantly improved objective memory.We found encouraging evidence supporting the potential effect of NIBS in improving memory performance, and reducing the perception of self-perceived memory decline in SCD. Yet, the high heterogeneity of stimulation protocols in the different studies prevent the issuing of clear-cut recommendations for implementation in a clinical setting. No conclusive argument was found to recommend any of the main pharmacological cognitive enhancement drugs ("smart drugs", acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antidepressant) or herbal extracts (Panax ginseng, Gingko biloba, and Bacopa monnieri) in people without cognitive impairment.Altogether, this systematic review provides evidence for CMPT to improve cognition, encouraging results for NIBS although more studies are needed, while it does not support the use of drugs or nutrients.
PB BioMed Central
YR 2021
FD 2021-10-11
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10668/3748
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10668/3748
LA en
NO Brioschi Guevara A, Bieler M, Altomare D, Berthier M, Csajka C, Dautricourt S, et al. Protocols for cognitive enhancement. A user manual for Brain Health Services-part 5 of 6. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2021 Oct 11;13(1):172
DS RISalud
RD Apr 6, 2025