Objective: To evaluate the effects of computer based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) on working memory (WM) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Deterioration of WM is one of the most common cognitive deficits experienced by patients with PD, and severely influences the ability to lead an independent life. Therefore, interventions which can slow progression of WM deficits could positively impact the independence and quality of life of patients.

Method: Four electronic databases were systematically searched: Pubmed, Embase, Psycinfo and Cochrane Library. Authors of relevant studies were contacted to detect unpublished data or articles not found by searching databases. Selection criteria: Broad selection criteria were applied because literature was expected to be limited. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated the effects of CBCR on WM in a sample consisting of at least 50% patients with PD, or in which the results of patients with PD could be isolated. Studies were further eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis if the effects of the CBCR intervention could be isolated, the CBCR intervention was compared to active or passive control groups consisting solely of patients with PD, and the WM outcome measure could be isolated.

Results: The current literature is very sparse, and only six studies could be included in this review despite broad inclusion criteria. Study results were heterogeneous, and the risk of bias in study methodology was either unclear or high. Two studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. However, a meta-analysis could not be performed as the two studies used different measures of WM which were not rated as equally trustworthy with regard to validity and reliability. An additional analysis was performed in order to estimate the difference between the control interventions (whether passive or active) and the CBCR interventions. From this analysis it was evident that existing literature provides insufficient evidence to conclude if CBCR benefits WM in Parkinson patients. However, this additional analysis should be interpreted with caution as it does not take the heterogeneity of outcome measures or the differences in sample sizes between studies into account.

Conclusion: Existing literature is very sparse and provides insufficient evidence to conclude if CBCR benefits WM in Parkinson patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effects-of-computer-based-cognitive-rehabilitation-on-working-memory-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-a-systematic-review/