Effects of a cognitive training program and sleep hygiene for executive functions and sleep quality in healthy elderly.

Katie Moraes De Almondes,Ana Maria Souza Moreira,Maria Emanuela Matos Leonardo

doi:10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-010011

Katie Moraes De Almondes, Ana Maria Souza Moreira + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-010011

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Abstract

IntroductionThe aging process causes changes in the sleep-wake cycle and cognition, especially executive functions. Interventions are required to minimize the impact of the losses caused by the aging process.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a cognitive training program and psychoeducation on sleep hygiene techniques for executive functions and sleep quality in healthy elderly.MethodsThe participants were 41 healthy elderly randomized into four groups ([CG] control group, cognitive training group [CTG], sleep hygiene group [SHG] and cognitive training and hygiene group [THG]). The study was conducted in three stages:1st – assessment of cognition and sleep;2nd – specific intervention for each group;3rd – post-intervention assessment.ResultsThe results showed that the CTG had significant improvements in cognitive flexibility tasks, planning, verbal fluency and episodic memory, gains in sleep quality and decreased excessive daytime sleepiness. The SHG also had improved sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in insights, planning, attention and episodic memory. The THG had significant gains in cognitive flexibility, problem solving, verbal fluency, attention and episodic memory.ConclusionCognitive training and sleep hygiene interventions were useful strategies for improving cognitive performance and sleep quality of healthy elderly, but there was no evidence that sessions combining cognitive training and psychoeducation on sleep hygiene enhanced the gains provided by these interventions applied individually.

Highlights

The aging process causes changes in the sleep-wake cycle and cognition, especially executive functions
The post-intervention intragroup comparisons showed that the cognitive training (CT) intervention for executive functions improved the cognitive performance of the healthy elderly, on the skills directly trained in the sessions, and on other functions
Cognitive training is well documented as a strategy to provide benefits for cognitive functioning of the elderly through practical skills training, with adaptable difficulty levels, and both stimulating and rewarding environments

Summary

Introduction

The aging process causes changes in the sleep-wake cycle and cognition, especially executive functions. Results: The results showed that the CTG had significant improvements in cognitive flexibility tasks, planning, verbal fluency and episodic memory, gains in sleep quality and decreased excessive daytime sleepiness. Among the cognitive skills that decline, executive functions (EFs), which include higher and basic cognitive processes for the formulation, execution, monitoring and correction of behaviors necessary to achieve goals and efficiently plan, are among the most impaired.. Among the cognitive skills that decline, executive functions (EFs), which include higher and basic cognitive processes for the formulation, execution, monitoring and correction of behaviors necessary to achieve goals and efficiently plan, are among the most impaired.5 Such impairments in executive functioning may negatively influence health, preservation of autonomy and quality of life. Among the cognitive skills that decline, executive functions (EFs), which include higher and basic cognitive processes for the formulation, execution, monitoring and correction of behaviors necessary to achieve goals and efficiently plan, are among the most impaired. Such impairments in executive functioning may negatively influence health, preservation of autonomy and quality of life.

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