The Effect of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation Therapy on Cognitive Function, Social Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Vascular Dementia

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) on cognitive function, social function and quality of life in patients with vascular dementia (VD).

Methods: Ninety-eight patients with VD were treated with CCRT in four 45-minute sessions per week over a course of 40 sessions to exercise four cognitive functions, including flexibility, working memory, plan execution and social cognition. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOL-74) were used to assess before and after treatment.

Results: (1) The scores of orientation (5.60 ± 1.35), calculation (2.20 ± 0.79), verbal ability (7.10 ± 0.36), spatial ability (0.78 ± 0.42), immediate memory (2.42 ± 0.53), short-term memory (1.17 ± 0.78) and MMSE (23.36 ± 2.98) were all improved after treatment (P < 0.05) compared with those before treatment; (2) The scores of SDSS, PSP and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) after treatment were 8.23 ± 0.94, 81.36 ± 14.23, and 32.7 ± 12.1, and all of which improved (P < 0.05); (3) The scores of physical health were 68.24 ± 7.44, mental health were 69.75 ± 7.15, social function were 69.08 ± 7.43, material life were 37.46 ± 4.85 and the total score were 230.79 ± 9.56, all of which improved (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: For patients with VD, CCRT can improve their cognitive function, social function, daily life ability and quality of life.