Effect of cognitive training on cortisol levels in patients with neurocognitive disorders

Marina De Rui, Giulia Salerno Trapella, Chiara Ceolin, Filippo Ceccato, Giorgia Antonelli, Adele Ravelli, Rita Andreuzza, Enrico Conti, Michela Sarlo, Alessandra Coin, Bruno Micael Zanforlini, Anna Bertocco, Chiara Curreri, Irene Tizianel, Daniela Mapelli, Giuseppe Sergi and Maria Devita

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2026, vol. 81, issue 2, gbaf243.

Abstract: ObjectivesElevated cortisol levels are linked to a greater risk and faster progression of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). While interventions such as exercise and mindfulness have shown benefits in reducing cortisol, the impact of cognitive training (CT) on cortisol regulation remains unexplored. This study investigated whether CT affects cortisol levels and secretion patterns in individuals with minor or major NCD and compared its effects with those of pharmacological treatment.MethodsSixty-two older adults with NCD and 43 healthy controls were recruited from the University Hospital of Padua in Italy. Among patients with NCD, 34 underwent CT (CT-NCD group), and 28 received pharmacological treatment (PH-NCD group). Salivary cortisol was measured at six points during the day, at baseline, and at 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) post-intervention.ResultsCompared with pharmacological treatment (PH), CT showed a larger percentage decrease of daily cortisol exposure area under the curve (AUC) from baseline; however, the between-group difference did not remain statistically significant after covariate adjustment, and the only robust time-point effect was in the afternoon (F(1,47)=5.13; p = .028). Morning values decreased within groups, but between-group differences in the CAR were not significant; at bedtime, CT showed only a trend towards lower cortisol than PH (p = .071). Median morning values changed from 7.75 to 6.20 in CT and from 5.80 to 5.15 in PH.DiscussionCognitive training may help lower cortisol levels and enhance cognitive function in NCD patients, suggesting its potential as a nonpharmacological tool to modulate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Mild cognitive impairment; Cognitive stimulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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