Working memory training: Effects on cognition and psychological well-being of seniors without dementia and depression

Abstract

Working memory (WM) is vital for other cognitive functions and the maintenance of the activities of daily life. It is known to follow a trajectory of marked decline in aging. WM training may enhance cognitive performance and facilitate autonomy of older people. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an-eight-session WM training on the cognitive performance and psychological well-being (PWB) of older adults without dementia and depression. The impact of cognitive training on PWB has rarely been investigated. In all, 31 individuals received WM training (EG) and 29 took part in a wait list control group (CG). Pre and post-test protocols included the Mini Mental State Examination, the Story sub-test of the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, the Short Cognitive Test (SKT), Colored Trails, Verbal Fluency animal category, Direct and Indirect Digit Span. PWB was assessed with the Personal Development Scale, based on the Ryff PWB scales. WM training was offered once a week in groups of 6 participants and lasted 90 minutes. Training involved completing classical WM tasks adapted for the context of group training. The EG exhibited significantly higher gains from pre to post-test in the SKT Total and Attention and Delayed Memory sub-tests and in all but one factor of the Personal Development Scale. The results suggested that WM training may contribute to cognitive performance among healthy seniors as it generated higher performance in target (SKT Attention) and transfer tasks (SKT Memory). Cognitive training may also have positive impact in reported well-being in old age.