Effectiveness of Multisensory Stimulation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Protocol for a Systematic Review

Abstract Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal cognitive aging and dementia, with a global geriatric prevalence of 23.7%. Multisensory stimulation (MSS) has emerged as a promising approach to improve cognitive impairment. However, relevant research is heterogeneous, and the evidence has not yet been systematically synthesized. Objective This study aims to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of MSS on cognitive function in older adults with MCI, appraise different MSS interventions, identify limitations in study design and implementation, and provide recommendations for future trials. Methods A comprehensive search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Library, with manual screening of reference lists and gray literature. Eligible studies are randomized controlled trials that involve adults aged 60 years or older with confirmed MCI and evaluate intentional MSS with reported parameters. Two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract the data, and assess risk of bias using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The primary outcomes are global cognitive function, memory, executive function, and attention; secondary outcomes include quality of life, adherence, and safety. A meta-analysis will be performed using mean differences or standardized mean differences if the studies are sufficiently comparable in population, interventions, and outcomes; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Results This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, and the methodological frameworks were finalized on October 5, 2025. The systematic literature search was completed between November 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, followed by study screening and data extraction between January 1, 2026, and February 28, 2026. Data synthesis and final manuscript preparation are expected to be completed by April 30, 2026. Conclusions The systematic review is expected to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence on MSS for older adults with MCI and will help identify the optimal intervention parameters and implementation strategies. The findings may help inform future trial design and the optimization of nonpharmacological interventions for cognitive health in older adults with MCI.