Strengths and limitations
infection, dementia, cognitive impairment
INFECTION, CHRONIC DISEASES
Our trial had numerous strengths, the first being the use of multi-domain cognitive function training instead of a single domain, which reported improvements in cognition. Second, we had a rigorous research design, with clear inclusion and exclusion conditions and the use of research tools with good reliability and validity to measure the research results and obtain the initial effect of intervention measures. Third, we applied the intention-to-treat principle, which includes all randomly assigned participants, rather than just those who completed the trial. However, our study had limitations. We drew the participants from remote areas in the northern region with limited healthcare resources. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a small sample size, and social distancing measures may have prevented older adults from participating in certain group activities. Additionally, concerns about the risk of infection among family members and the health issues faced by older adults, such as chronic diseases and declining physical function, may have resulted in a reduction of approximately 20% in the sample size. Future studies should consider using larger sample sizes and conducting longitudinal long-term follow-up to evaluate the longer-term effects of multi-domain cognitive training. We focused on older adults with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, so subsequent studies are needed across populations and locations in various regions to improve and increase the generalisability of our findings.