Abstract
Computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognition in older adults. However, specific programs for this target group have rarely been developed, and predictors of training success are largely unclear. In a randomized controlled pilot trial, we examined effects of a six-week CCT, tailored to the cognitive profile of healthy older adults (EG, n = 21) as compared to a nonspecific CCT (CG, n = 18) matched in frequency and intensity. No interaction effects between Group and Time were found. However, within-group analysis showed significant gains in verbal and non-verbal memory, executive and visuospatial functions and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) in the EG, while the CG only benefitted in non-verbal memory and set-shifting. Low cognitive performance and lower SCC at baseline were the most consistent predictors of cognitive gains in the EG. Thus, CCTs specifically tailored to older adults seem advantageous compared to non-specific CCT. Further, we conclude that SCC may be related to reduced cognitive plasticity.
Highlights
Cognitive interventions to enhance cognitive functions and attenuate cognitive decline in healthy elderly individuals have attracted increasing scientific attention
In a randomized controlled pilot trial, we examined effects of a six-week Computerized cognitive training (CCT), tailored to the cognitive profile of healthy older adults (EG, n = 21) as compared to a nonspecific CCT (CG, n = 18) matched in frequency and intensity
The main findings of the study are that (1) no Group × Time interaction effects were found for the CG versus the EG when reliable change indices (RCIs) and change scores from pre- to posttest were compared, but that (2) in within-group comparisons, the EG showed significant gains in verbal short and long-term memory, non-verbal short and long-term memory, set-shifting, visuospatial functions, and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC), while the CG only benefitted in non-verbal long-term memory and set-shifting and even worsened in an alternating fluency task
Summary
Cognitive interventions to enhance cognitive functions and attenuate cognitive decline in healthy elderly individuals have attracted increasing scientific attention. A systematic review of [9] reported that studies with CCTs found benefits in global cognitive performance, reaction time, processing speed, working memory, executive function, attention, memory, and visual spatial ability in older adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis of [11] emphasized that benefits of CCT in healthy older adults are largely determined by design aspects of the training. Their findings indicate that supervised training is more effective than home-based CCTs, and that an intensity of 30 minutes per session with not more than three sessions per week is most favorable [11].
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