Digital cognitive training: potential lasting benefits in older adults with mild impairment

A trial focused on cognition and everyday functioning

The study, published on October 1, 2026, sought to determine whether a longer cumulative duration of digital cognitive training produced more lasting improvements. It involved people aged at least 60 with mild neurocognitive disorder, rather than a population of older adults with no identified disorder.

The researchers describe a randomized, double-blind trial with a phased rollout of interventions, comparing the training with an active control consisting of commercial computer games. Cognition and functioning were assessed before the intervention, after 10 and 20 hours, and at follow-up.

The abstract states that 67 participants completed the digital cognitive training and were assessed. It does not specify the initial number randomized or the number of participants analyzed in each group.

Encouraging results after 20 hours

In the group that received 20 hours of training, the authors report statistically significant improvements in functioning and satisfaction, as well as gains in processing speed, verbal fluency and inhibitory control. After 10 hours, improvements were also reported in some domains, including processing speed and recognition.

The benefits in the group that received 20 hours were maintained at the three- and six-month follow-ups, particularly in functioning. This persistence is noteworthy, but it demonstrates neither dementia prevention nor sustained independence beyond the observation period.

The optimal duration remains unknown

The abstract provides no absolute scores, effect sizes or uncertainty intervals. Nor does it detail the comparisons needed to establish the advantage of 20 hours over 10 hours or over commercial games. A statistically significant improvement is therefore not enough to determine what difference a person might notice in everyday life.

The results support the hypothesis of more lasting benefits with more training, without establishing an optimal duration. They do not validate all commercial cognitive stimulation apps and cannot be directly extrapolated to adults without a neurocognitive disorder.

What we can take away

This trial provides an encouraging signal that functional benefits may persist in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorder. It is not enough to recommend an app or specify a training duration.