A Comparative Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial With Language Training in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although cognitive training is effective for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), it is not clear which format is more effective. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the same language programs when carried out via computer, paper/pencil and orally in people with MCI. METHODS: Seventy-one participants with MCI were randomly classified in 3 experimental and 2 control groups. The experimental groups attended 48 sessions of language training for 6 months. The control groups attended either unstructured sessions or they were on waiting list. RESULTS: Mixed measures analysis of variance, at the follow-up, showed a significant cognitive abilities improvement among the experimental versus control groups. At the end of the language training, the 3 groups presented improvement in cognitive abilities and daily function, while the control groups remained at the same performance level. CONCLUSION: All 3 cognitive language training methods were equally significantly effective.