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Neuropsychology Review
Published in: Neuropsychology Review 3/2017

01-09-2017 | Review

Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Preliminary Recommendations

Authors: Colette M. Smart, Justin E. Karr, Corson N. Areshenkoff, Laura A. Rabin, Carol Hudon, Nicola Gates, Jordan I. Ali, Eider M. Arenaza-Urquijo, Rachel F. Buckley, Gael Chetelat, Harald Hampel, Frank Jessen, Natalie L. Marchant, Sietske A. M. Sikkes, Andrea Tales, Wiesje M. van der Flier, Linda Wesselman, and the Subjective Cognitive Decline Initiative (SCD-I) Working Group

Published in: Neuropsychology Review | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

In subjective cognitive decline (SCD), older adults present with concerns about self-perceived cognitive decline but are found to have clinically normal function. However, a significant proportion of those adults are subsequently found to develop mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s dementia or other neurocognitive disorder. In other cases, SCD may be associated with mood, personality, and physical health concerns. Regardless of etiology, adults with SCD may benefit from interventions that could enhance current function or slow incipient cognitive decline. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, is to examine the benefits of non-pharmacologic intervention (NPI) in persons with SCD. Inclusion criteria were studies of adults aged 55 + with SCD defined using published criteria, receiving NPI or any control condition, with cognitive, behavioural, or psychological outcomes in controlled trails. Published empirical studies were obtained through a standardized search of CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE with Full Text, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES, supplemented by a manual retrieval of relevant articles. Study quality and bias was determined using PEDro. Nine studies were included in the review and meta-analysis. A wide range of study quality was observed. Overall, a small effect size was found on cognitive outcomes, greater for cognitive versus other intervention types. The available evidence suggests that NPI may benefit current cognitive function in persons with SCD. Recommendations are provided to improve future trials of NPI in SCD.
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Metadata
Title
Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Preliminary Recommendations
Authors
Colette M. Smart
Justin E. Karr
Corson N. Areshenkoff
Laura A. Rabin
Carol Hudon
Nicola Gates
Jordan I. Ali
Eider M. Arenaza-Urquijo
Rachel F. Buckley
Gael Chetelat
Harald Hampel
Frank Jessen
Natalie L. Marchant
Sietske A. M. Sikkes
Andrea Tales
Wiesje M. van der Flier
Linda Wesselman
and the Subjective Cognitive Decline Initiative (SCD-I) Working Group
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Neuropsychology Review / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1040-7308
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6660
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-017-9342-8

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