Web-Based Intervention Effects on Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Quasi-Experimental Study.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ?4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Computer-based training programs can improve cognitive performance in elderly populations. However, the effects of computer-based interventions on MCI APOE ?4 carriers have never been studied before. OBJECTIVE:The effects of different web-based interventions and the APOE isoform-specific differences in training outcomes are investigated. METHODS:Using a quasi-experimental study design, 202 participants with MCI aged 60 years and older took part in three different intervention programs (physical and cognitive [Long-Lasting Memories, or LLM], cognitive [Active Control, or AC], or physical intervention [Physical Training Control, or PTC]) via an innovative information and communication technologies exergaming platform. Participants in each interventional group were subdivided into APOE ?4 carriers and non-APOE ?4 carriers. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological evaluation before and after the training, blood tests, and brain imaging. RESULTS:All interventions resulted in multiple statistically significant cognitive benefits after the intervention. Verbal learning (California Verbal Learning Test: immediate recall test score-LLM: P=.04; AC: P<.001), working memory (digit span forward and backward test scores-AC: P=.03; PTC: P=.02 and P=.006, respectively), and long-term memory (California Verbal Learning Test: delayed recall test score-LLM: P=.02; AC: P=.002; and PTC: P=.02) were improved. There was no statistically significant difference among the intervention effects. APOE ?4 presence moderates intervention effects as the LLM intervention improved only their task-switching processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part B: P=.03) and the PTC intervention improved only the working memory (digit span backward: P=.03). No significant performance alteration was noted for the APOE ?4+ cognitive AC training group. CONCLUSIONS:None of the applied interventions could be identified as the optimal one; it is suggested, however, that combined cognitive and physical training and physical training via exergaming may be more effective for the high-risk MCI ?POE ?4+ subgroup.
SUBMITTER: Tsolaki AC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7243129 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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