An Overview of Cognitive Intervention Therapy

With the advent of a super-aged society in Korea in 2024, the rising prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment has become a major public health concern.Given that monoclonal antibody therapies can only be used under limited conditions, there is an urgent need for non-pharmacological treatment strategies as adjunctive interventions.Cognitive intervention therapy (CIT), which aims to improve cognitive function, includes cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, and cognitive rehabilitation, and is increasingly being delivered through digital platforms.Based on the concepts of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, CIT enhances cognitive function by promoting reorganization of neural circuits and activation of neurotransmitter systems.Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy of CIT in improving memory, attention, and executive function, as well as in maintaining daily functional abilities and reducing caregiver burden.Recently, remote CIT using digital platforms such as virtual reality and mobile applications has been actively developed and applied in clinical practice worldwide.Key factors contributing to its effectiveness include personalized intervention design, disease stage-specific approaches, caregiver involvement, and sustained engagement.Health economic analyses have also confirmed its cost-effectiveness, highlighting the need for further research on long-term outcomes and quality-of-life measures.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the concept, mechanisms, clinical efficacy, current applications, and policy implications of CIT, offering a foundation for developing cognitive health strategies in an aging society.