Networked Cognitive Training on Negative Emotions for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

© 2026 by the Authors. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

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Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) frequently experience negative emotions, which are closely correlated with an accelerated rate of cognitive decline and the subsequent transition to a state of dementia. Despite networked cognitive training has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive function in MCI, its effectiveness for negative emotions is still unknown. This review aimed to exam the influences of networked cognitive training on negative emotions and quality of life in people with MCI. Methods: Searches for eligible studies were conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Psyc INFO, CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database, and Sinomed. The retrieval time limit was set from their inception to 17 December 2025. The articles were reviewed and extracted by two researchers, and their quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was carried out utilizing RevMan 5.4 software. Results: The review comprised 13 randomized controlled trials with 626 individuals. The meta-analysis demonstrated that networked cognitive training significantly improved depression (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI [-0.73, -0.00]; p = .050), anxiety (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI [-0.57, -0.06]; p < .050), and quality of life (MD = 2.54; 95% CI [0.98, 4.10]; p < .001). In terms of the comparison of apathy, the effect of intervention was unclear. Conclusions: From these meta-analysis results, networked cognitive training may help patients for MCI with their anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life. However, because there are so few randomized controlled trials available, the evidence regarding apathy is still ambiguous. More thorough randomized controlled trials with larger samples are necessary to verify the significance of networked cognitive training on apathy and to consolidate the findings. Registered number on PROSPERO: CRD42024593710.

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