Different activities showed different patterns across thinking skills in older adults
An analysis of randomized trials highlighted dance, strength training and computerized cognitive training, while leaving key comparison details out of the abstract.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported favorable results for dance on overall executive function and mental flexibility, strength training on working memory, and computerized cognitive training on inhibition. These findings concern cognitive test outcomes in healthy older adults. The abstract does not establish which option is best for an individual or whether gains translate into everyday functioning.
This abstract-based summary cannot assess the unreported evidence-confidence ratings, intervention schedules or follow-up periods. The findings apply to healthy older people; the abstract does not establish effects in people with neurological disease.
The outcome changed the pattern
Researchers brought together randomized trials to compare nondrug approaches across related but distinct thinking skills. The reported pattern varied by skill, so an overall ranking would miss differences between memory, flexibility and inhibition.
Comparison details remain important
Without named reference groups or intervention durations, the abstract leaves unclear exactly which comparisons produced the reported advantages. It also describes methods for rating confidence without reporting those confidence ratings.
The original publication
Effects of different non-pharmacological interventions on executive function in healthy older people: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Bai Y, Yuan Y, Qiu B et al.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41576774
- Record checked
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