Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40499956›Full record

SynthesisBMJ open2025

Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation for individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lu Hua Chen, Oi Ling Lee, Yan Wing Lee, Shu Ting Ng, Sum Yi Eugenia Ngai, Yat Hei Zita Pau, Tongyu Ma, Hon-Lam Joseph Yuen

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Trial
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Lu Hua ChenDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China pearl.chen@polyu.edu.hk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3959-0226
Oi Ling LeeDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Yan Wing LeeDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Shu Ting NgDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Sum Yi Eugenia NgaiDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Yat Hei Zita PauDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Tongyu MaDeparment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Hon-Lam Joseph YuenTung Wah Group of Hospitals, Hong Kong, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveCognitive stimulation (CS) is a non-pharmacological intervention aimed at enhancing cognitive function. However, the effectiveness of CS in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CS in improving cognitive function, psychological well-being, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with MCI, based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

designSystematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Six English databases were systematically searched, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American Psychological Association PsycInfo and Academic Search Premier. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: RCTs about CS for individuals with MCI, published between January 2003 and December 2024. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were extracted and assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials by independent researchers. The meta-analysis was conducted using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CIs of the included studies.

resultsThe meta-analysis included five eligible studies for the primary outcomes of cognitive function and three eligible studies for the secondary outcomes of psychological wellness. In the pooled samples, the CS intervention had a significant effect on cognitive function (SMD=0.63, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.01; p=0.001) and depression symptoms (SMD=-0.29, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.03; p=0.03) in individuals with MCI. However, no significant improvements in anxiety symptoms were identified after the CS intervention (SMD=-0.05; 95% CI -0.31 to 0.21; p=0.71).

conclusionThe CS intervention can effectively improve cognitive function and alleviate depression symptoms. Although a meta-analysis was not conducted for IADL and QoL due to the limited number of included studies, positive trends in enhancing IADL performance and augmenting QoL were observed in individuals with MCI. However, due to the scarcity of relevant studies in this research field, more comprehensive RCTs are warranted to provide a better understanding of the potential benefits of CS and to guide its clinical application in the future. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023494685.

Indexed as

CognitionCognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive DysfunctionActivities of Daily LivingHumansQuality of LifeRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicGERIATRIC MEDICINERandomized Controlled TrialREHABILITATION MEDICINE

Identifiers

PMID40499956
PMCPMC12161421

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.