Study examines efficacy of two treatments for mild cognitive impairment

A randomized controlled study has evaluated the effects of two treatments for mild cognitive impairment. Authors examined the efficacy of group-based cognitive intervention (GCI) and home-based cognitive intervention (HCI) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and intervention effects on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: In this randomized and rater-blinded trial, 293 patients with aMCI from 18 nationwide hospitals were randomized as follows: 96 to the GCI group, 98 to the HCI group and 99 to the control group.

For 12 weeks, participants receiving GCI participated twice per week in group sessions led by trained instructors, and those receiving HCI completed homework materials 5 days per week. They were assessed at baseline, post intervention (PI) and at the 6-month follow-up. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to PI in the modified Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). Results showed that compared to controls (a 0.8-point decrease), subjects receiving GCI (a 2.3-point decrease, p = 0.01) or HCI (a 2.5-point decrease, p = 0.02) reported significant improvements in the modified ADAS-Cog at PI, respectively. These findings were confirmed at 6-month follow-up, where those receiving GCI or HCI still had better scores in the modified ADAS-Cog than controls.

In addition, changes in BDNF levels significantly correlated with the changes in the modified ADAS-Cog in the GCI (r = -0.29, p = 0.02 at PI) and HCI (r = -0.27, p = 0.03 at 6-month follow-up) groups. Authors concluded that an enhanced brain plasticity may be a crucial component of the mechanism underpinning cognitive improvements associated with cognitive interventions.