Abstract
ABSTRACT.The literature indicates that cognitive stimulation interventions have shown promising results. Abacus represents a tool with great potential in such interventions.Objectives: To carry out a systematic review of studies published in recent years that entailed the delivery of a cognitive training program using an abacus to boost target cognitive abilities of older persons and also other age groups, with or without cognitive impairment.Methods: A systematic review study was conducted in July 2020 involving PubMed, MedLine, LILACS, and SciELO databases.Results: A total of 29 studies were retrieved, of which 8 aimed to identify the effect of abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) for different age groups and to determine its applicability as a method of cognitive stimulation for older adults. In AMC technique, participants first learn to use the physical abacus (PA) and after achieving proficiency they perform calculations using a mental image of the device, manipulating the beads of the so-called mental abacus (MA).Conclusions: The number of studies addressing abacus use as a cognitive training tool was rather limited, considering the relevance of the theme. Their interventions have shown benefits for cognitive functioning of individuals of various age groups, including older adults with cognitive impairment. Future studies that involve larger samples of healthy and/or cognitively impaired older adults with a longitudinal design and a more elaborate methodological design are suggested.
Highlights
According to the theory behind the concept of cognitive reserve, greater brain activity can slow the onset of cognitive impairment, even in extremely old people.[1,2] Aguirre et al.[3] and McDermott et al.,[4] systematic review and meta-analysis studies, have shown that cognitive stimulation interventions have favourable results on cognitive and physical functions, social interaction, activities of daily living, quality of life and well-being of individuals with dementia, with the possibility of overcoming effects of medicinal products.Cognitive stimulation is a type of non-pharmacological educational intervention aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning in cognitively healthy individuals and subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through the use of mnemonic strategies
When considering the findings presented and the impacts of the cognitive training performed with the use of the abacus for several domains in children, adults and older persons, it appears that participation in programs of this nature can favour psychological well-being and quality of life in old age, with an impact on safety and self-care
Results suggest that the effects of abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) training on EF may not be solely limited to enhanced working memory, and tap the inhibition and task switching components of EF
Summary
Cognitive stimulation is a type of non-pharmacological educational intervention aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning in cognitively healthy individuals and subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through the use of mnemonic strategies. These interventions include theory and practice with cognitive exercises to promote improved performance, and can have positive effects on the everyday lives of older adults.[5] Trained individuals can show greater health promotion, improved quality of life and less deficits in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).[6,7]. These areas are affected by aging, and this process can lead to impaired performance of WM tasks in older adults.[10,11,12,13]
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