Diferential effects of computerized cognitive stimulation versus stimulating leisure activities on mood and global cognition in adults with subjective and mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

Sep 29, 2026

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) involves subjec-tive and objective cognitive decline with relatively preserved daily functioning, while Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI) refers to perceived decline without measurable deficits. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in primary care with participants aged ≥50 years with SCI or MCI, randomized to a personalized computerized cognitive stimulation program, a stimulating leisure activities program, or control. Results: Compared to control, computerized stimulation reduced anxiety post-intervention and depressive symptoms at 6 months, while leisure activities improved global cognition after intervention and at 6 months. Conclusion: Both approaches offer complementary benefits.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

DEL SISTEMA SANITARIO DE NAVARRA An Sist Sanit Navar 2025; 48(3): e1136 [https://doi.org/10.23938/ASSN.1136](https://doi.org/10.23938/ASSN.1136) eISSN: 2340-3527 • ISSN: 1137-6627 [https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/ASSN/](https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/ASSN/) ORIGINAL ARTICLE Differential effects of computerized cognitive stimulation versus stimulating leisure activities on mood and global cognition in adults with subjective and mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial Efectos diferenciales de la estimulación cognitiva computarizaday las actividades de ocio estimulantes sobre el estado de ánimoy la cogniciónglobal en adultos con deterioro cognitivo subjetivo y leve: Ensayo controlado aleatorizado Isabel Gómez-Soria1,2, Juan Nicolás Cuenca-Zaldivar3,4,5, Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez2,6*, Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre2,7, Rosa Mª Magallón-Botaya2,8, Estela Calatayud1,2 | ABSTRACT | RESUMEN | | --- | --- | | Background. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) involves both subjec- | Fundamento. El deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) se caracteriza por | | tive and objective cognitive decline with relatively preserved daily | deterioro cognitivo subjetivo y objetivo con funcionamiento diario | | functioning, whereas Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI) refers | relativamente preservado, mientras que el deterioro cognitivo sub- | | to perceived decline without measurable deficits. This study aimed | jetivo (DCS) implica percepción de deterioro cognitivo sin déficits | | to compare the effects of a personalized computerized cognitive | medibles. Este estudio evalúa los efectos de un programa persona- | | stimulation (CS) program (IG1) and a stimulating leisure activities | lizado de estimulación cognitiva computarizada frente a actividades | | program (IG2) in adults with MCI and SCI. | de ocio estimulantes en adultos con DCL y DCS. | | Methods. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted | Métodos. Ensayo controlado aleatorizado simple ciego realizado en | | in primary care with participants aged ≥50 years with SCI or MCI. | Atención Primaria con participantes de ≥50 años, con DCL o DCS, asig- | | Participants were randomized to IG1, IG2), or a control group (CG). | nados aleatoriamente a dos grupos de intervención (GI1, GI2) y a un | | IG1 completed personalized computerized CS for 30 minutes/day, 5 | grupo control (GC). El GI1 realizó estimulación cognitiva computarizada | | days/week, for 8 weeks. IG2 engaged in 2-5 stimulating leisure acti- | personalizada 30 minutos/día, 5 días/semana, durante 8 semanas. El GI2 | | vities per week for the same period. The primary outcome was glo- | participó en 2-5 actividades de ocio estimulantes/semana durante el mis- | | bal cognition; secondary outcomes included memory, verbal fluen- | mo periodo. El resultado principal fue la cognición global y los secunda- | | cy, daily functioning, and mood. | rios memoria, fluidez verbal, funcionamiento diario y estado de ánimo. | | Results. Fifty-nine participants were enrolled in the study, 44 with | Resultados. Se reclutaron 59 participantes, 15 con DCL. Frente al | | SCI and 15 with MCI. Compared to CG, IG1 showed greater reductions in anxiety post-intervention (2.07; 95%CI: 0.93-3.22 vs. 4.34; 95%CI: 3.22-5.46) and lower depressive symptoms at 6-month fol- | GC, el GI1 redujo más la ansiedad post-intervención (2,074; IC95%: 0,927-3,222 vs. 4,338; IC95%: 3.22-5.456) y los síntomas depresivos alos 6 meses (3,407; IC95%: 2,047-4,767 vs. 5,615; IC95%: 4,262-6,968), | | low-up (3.41; 95%CI: 2.05-4.77 vs. 5.62; 95%CI: 4.26-6.97). IG2 par- | mientras que el GI2 mejoró la cognición global tanto post-interven- | | ticipants demonstrated improved global cognition post-intervention (29.2; 95%CI: 27.625-30.776) and at 6 months (28.78; 95%CI: 27.16- 30.42) relative to CG (30.626; 95%CI: 28.99-32.27). | ción (29,2; IC95%: 27,625-30.776) como a los 6 meses (28,782; IC95%: 27,163-30,402) respecto del GC (30,626; IC95%: 28,987-32,265).

FAQs

How were participants assigned to study groups?

Adults aged ≥50 years with subjective cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment were randomized to a computerized cognitive stimulation program, a stimulating leisure activities program, or a control group.

What outcomes were assessed in the trial?

The primary outcome was global cognition, and secondary outcomes included memory, verbal fluency, daily functioning, and mood.

What were the main findings comparing interventions with the control group?

Computerized cognitive stimulation showed greater reductions in anxiety after the intervention and lower depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up, while stimulating leisure activities improved global cognition post-intervention and at 6 months.

Sep 29, 2026

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