Nonpharmacological therapies for behavioral and cognitive symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate research on nonpharmacological treatments for symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

METHOD

We searched for relevant English-language articles published from 2000 to 2010 using PUBMED and PsycINFO. We included nonpharmacological interventions for treating cognitive and behavioral symptoms in persons with MCI other than cognitive/memory training, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Effect sizes and hazard ratios were calculated when possible.

RESULTS

Current research points to the potential influence of behavioral interventions on behavioral symptoms. Exercise/diet interventions may alleviate cognitive deficits, especially cognitive speed and executive functioning, but possibly not memory--a domain central to MCI. Results were limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous methodology, short follow-ups, and the limited number of published studies.

DISCUSSION

Behavioral, diet, and exercise regimens show some promise with respect to reducing behavioral and cognitive symptomology. Rigorous research studies are needed to create more certainty about their potential to complement drug and/or cognitive therapies.