Combined Cognitive Training Research Articles

Combination of cognitive training and assessment using mobile games with elderly participants

AbstractBackgroundThe decline of cognitive function and psychomotor slowing are two important issues related to aging. Numerous apps and games have been recently developed to challenge the brain with fun and motivating cognitive exercises. Previous studies suggest that these types of games are correlated with cognitive scales in the elderly with and without cognitive impairment. However, little is currently known about the potential of these types of interventions to impact cognitive performance positively, especially with healthy elderly. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine if it is possible to analyze changes in the scores of Cognitive Mobile Games (CMG) over a period of training to learn about the level of score improvement that participants of different ages can reach, as a proxy of cognitive performance.MethodsScores from 12,000 subjects aged above 60 years old using 5 commercial CMG were retrospectively analysed over a period of 100 training sessions. Results of the first session were compared using one‐way ANOVA and mixed models were used to subsequently investigate the progression of scores over the period of training for the different age groups.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between the age groups and the initial scores of all the games. We observed that CMG scores increased for all participants, suggesting that all participants improved their cognitive performance. The rate of the score increase is strongly influenced by the age of the participants. There are significant interactions between the age of the participants and the session to predict the evolution of the scores.ConclusionThe current study provides two interesting insights: 1) users who train with the games improve regardless of age, suggesting that even older adults can improve their cognitive performance using new technology. 2) The presented method is a new and innovative way to assess cognitive function since older people perform less well on these types of games combined with previous findings, as expected. This kind of assessment could be used to monitor cognitive function during long term follow‐up and help early detection of cognitive decline and dementia.

Effects of a multi‐session cognitive training combined with brain stimulation on age‐associated cognitive decline

AbstractBackgroundResearch on non‐invasive methods of modulating age‐associated cognitive decline has yielded promising results. Current evidence shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), if administered with concurrent cognitive training, may successfully modulate cognitive performance. In the TrainStim‐Cog trial, we investigated in healthy older adults if longer‐term training combined with tDCS, versus sham, would lead to higher increases in performance on the trained tasks, and to larger transfer to non‐trained domains. Moreover, we aimed to elucidate neural mechanisms underlying these effects.MethodFifty‐six participants (20 men; mean age / SD = 69.8 / 4.0 yrs) underwent nine sessions of cognitive training over a period of three weeks with concurrent administration of either tDCS stimulation over 20 min (1mA current) or sham stimulation. The cognitive training consisted of two tasks targeting executive functions: a letter‐updating task was used to train working memory updating and, reward‐based decision‐making was trained with a three‐stage Markov decision‐making task. Prior to the intervention and immediately after the intervention, performance on training and transfer tasks was assessed and neural correlates were recorded using structural, functional and diffusion tensor MRI.ResultAt the time of submitting this abstract, assessment of primary endpoint has just been completed; data base lock, and unblinding of intervention type will be conducted in February 2020. The trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID NCT03838211), the study protocol of the trial has been published (Antonenko et al., 2019, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience), and a statistical analysis plan has been uploaded at clinicaltrials.gov. Results of the analyses will be presented at the AAIC conference.ConclusionOur results will determine if a 3‐week combined cognitive training and tDCS approach may not only enhance trained functions, but also transfer to non‐trained tasks. Moreover, we will determine if effects are sustained over longer periods of time, and we will aim to identify predictors of response to the intervention on the individual level. Thus, our trial will hopefully contribute to the development of non‐medical interventions in the field of age‐associated cognitive decline.

Effects of 12‐week combined cognitive training and physical activity intervention on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes of Brazilian older adults

AbstractBackgroundCognitive training and physical activity provide mental, social and physical stimulation that may reduce dementia risk. However, there is limited evidence on the benefits of interventions to increase cognitive engagement among healthy elderly. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined cognitive training and physical activity on cognitive function and psychosocial well‐being among healthy middle‐aged and older adults.Method114 adults with age between 50 to 80 years, recruited by advertisements in the local media, were randomized into four intervention arms: 1) cognitive training + physical activity, 2) cognitive training only, 3) physical activity only, or 4) no‐intervention control group. The interventions had 12 weeks of duration with 90 minutes of cognitive training (groups 1 and 2), and 180 minutes of physical activity (groups 1 and 3) per week. Participants were assessed for cognitive performance (MoCA), social support, depressive and anxiety symptoms, at baseline and follow‐up. Data were analyzed through Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape ‐ GAMLSS, controlling for age, sex and years of schooling.ResultMost of the subjects were female, mean age of 64.5 years (SD=7.0), and average schooling of 12.1 years (SD=3.7). After 12 weeks we conclude the follow‐up with 88 participants. Following the intervention, MoCA increased in all groups (Coef=.98, 95%CI=.00;1.95, p<.01). There was no evidence of differences between the intervention groups for MoCA (1x2 p=.99, 1x3 p=.94, 1x4 p=.92, 2x3 p=.97, 2x4 p=.95, 3x4 p=.99). Subjects from group 1 and 2 increased the number of people to provide social support comparing to the control group (Coef=.27, 95%CI=.00;.54, p=.04/ Coef=.27, 95%CI=.00;.55, p=.03). There was no evidence of differences between the intervention groups for social support (1x2 p=.99, 1x3 p=.53, 1x4 p=.20, 2x3 p=.50, 2x4 p=.18, 3x4 p=.88). Depression and anxiety symptoms did not show effects or interactions (p=.73/ p=.68). There was no evidence of differences between the intervention groups for depression and anxiety (1x2 p=.99, 1x3 p=.94, 1x4 p=.92, 2x3 p=.97, 2x4 p=.95, 3x4 p=.99/ 1x2 p=.99, 1x3 p=.76, 1x4 p=.74, 2x3 p=.78, 2x4 p=.76, 3x4 p=.99).ConclusionSocial support showed positive results for combined interventions and cognitive training.

Review of cognitive enhancement techniques based on the combination of cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation

Cognitive enhancement refers to the technology of enhancing or expanding the cognitive and emotional abilities of people without psychosis based on relevant knowledge of neurobiology. The common methods of cognitive enhancement include transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training (CT). tDCS takes effect quickly, with a short effective time, while CT takes longer to work, requiring several weeks of training, with a longer effective time. In recent years, some researchers have begun to use the method of tDCS combined with CT to regulate the cognitive function. This paper will sort out and summarize this topic from five aspects: perception, attention, working memory, decision-making and other cognitive abilities. Finally, the application prospect and challenges of technology are prospected.

Interventions Made to Preserve Cognitive Function Trial (IMPCT) study protocol: a multi-dialysis center 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial of intradialytic cognitive and exercise training to preserve cognitive function

BackgroundKidney disease and dialysis significantly impact cognitive function across the age spectrum. Cognitive training (CT) and/or exercise training (ET) are promising approaches to preserve cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults, but have not been tested for cognition preservation in hemodialysis patients of all ages. In this manuscript, we summarize the protocol for the Interventions Made to Preserve Cognitive Function Trial (IMPCT).MethodsWe will perform a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial (RCT) of eligible adult (≥18 years) hemodialysis initiates (n = 200) to test whether intradialytic CT (brain games on a tablet PC), ET (foot peddlers) and combined CT + ET while undergoing hemodialysis preserves executive function compared to standard of care (SC). Participants will engage in the interventions to which they are randomized for 6 months. The primary objective is to compare, among interventions, the 3-month change in executive function measured using the Trail Making Test A (TMTA) and B (TMTB); specifically, executive function is calculated as TMTB-TMTA to account for psychomotor speed. This primary outcome was selected based on findings from our pilot study. The secondary objectives are to compare the risk of secondary cognitive outcomes, ESKD-specific clinical outcomes, and patient-centered outcomes at 3-months and 6-months. All data collection and interventions are conducted in the dialysis center.DiscussionWe hypothesize that receiving intradialytic CT or ET will better preserve executive function than SC but receiving combined CT + ET, will be the most effective intervention. The current trial will be an important step in understanding how intradialytic interventions might preserve cognitive health.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.Gov (Date: 8/6/18): # NCT03616535. Protocol Version: 10 (April 2020). Funding: NIDDK R01DK114074.

Does the Combination of the Cognitive Interventions Improve the Function of Daily Living and Save the Long-Term Care Cost? A Pilot Study of Effectiveness and Cost Saving Analysis of "Learning Therapy" for People with Dementia.

Although the effects of various types of cognitive interventions have been evaluated, effectiveness and cost-saving effect of the combination of the different cognitive interventions is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial to assess the effectiveness of combined cognitive intervention. A matched controlled trial of learning therapy (LT), a combination of cognitive training and stimulation, was conducted. The samples were recruited from the nursing homes. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age 65 years or older, clinical diagnosis of dementia, level of activities of daily living at II or above, Mini-Mental State Examination score between 10 and 26, receiving long-term-care services without history of LT, and provision of written consent. The primary outcomes were safety, validity of eligibility, retention rate, and effect on the functions of daily living represented by Criterion Time for Certification of Needed Long-Term-Care (CT for CNLTC) at 12 months. Cost-benefit analysis was also conducted to assess the cost saving effect of LT. No serious adverse events were detected. The exclusion rate at the screening phase was 5% and the retention rate was 77% at 12 months. LT demonstrated statistically significant improvement in CT for CNLTC at 12 months (Δ=18.8, almost equivalent to "one" degree of the care needed level) and saved the long-term-care cost by JPY 200,000 (USD 1,618). LT is effective for improving care recipients' level of care needed and has a cost saving effect. A randomized controlled trial is required to verify these findings. This study was approved by the ethics committee at Keio University School of Medicine (ID: 20150061). This trial was registered at University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN-CTR ID: UMIN000018223).

Serious video games and virtual reality for prevention and neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration.

Cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration has become increasingly prevalent. This calls for the implementation of efficacious, motivating, standardized and widely available cognitive interventions for the elderly. In this context, serious video games and virtual reality may represent promising approaches. Here, we review recent research on their potential for cognitive prevention and neurorehabilitation of age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The majority of currently available data in this evolving domain lacks the methodological quality to draw reliable conclusions on the potential of novel technology for cognitive training in older people. However, single well designed randomized controlled trials have reported promising effects of cognitive interventions involving serious video games and virtual reality. The cognitive benefits of exergames promoting physical exercise with and without combined cognitive training remain unclear. The immersion into stimulating and motivating environments along with training content based on neuroscientific and neuropsychological models may represent a significant advance as compared with conventional computerized cognitive training. Additional research with sound methodology including sufficient sample sizes, active control groups and meaningful outcome measures of everyday function is needed to elucidate the potential of serious video games and virtual reality in multifactorial neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline in aging and neurodegeneration.

THE EFFECT OF COGNITIVE TRAINING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF ELDERLY FACILITY RESIDENTS

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a combined cognitive training (CT) and physical activity (PA) intervention in improving cognitive function for institutionalized older residents with cognitive impairment. An experimental design with pre/post-test evaluations in a double-blind assessments at three points (baseline, T0; post-treatment, T1; 8-weeks-follow-up, T2), conducted an 8-week-CTPA intervention. Participants (N=134) were recruited from 12 institutions. Centers were randomly assigned into wait-list control, treatment I or treatment II groups. Treatment I group (low frequency) underwent combined 30-minutes sessions of individual-non-computer-based multi-domain CT (twice a week) with 30-minutes-group-chair-based PA (3 times a week). Treatment II group underwent the same protocol as Treatment I group, but with high frequency, 5 days per week for both CT and PA. The primary outcome, Cognitive Assessment Screening Instrument(CASI) total scores showed significant improvement in the treatment I and treatment II groups at T1-T0 and T2-T0, compared to the wait-list control group(10.55±9.60, 12.75±11.64, -8.01±6.61, p=0.000; 8.32±7.81, 11.75±10.19, -7.11±5.78, p=0.000), however there were no significant differences between two treatment groups. In CASI’s nine sub-domains, all the mean difference between groups were also significant at T1-T0 and T2-T0 (all p<0.05). The two treatment groups only significantly differ on CASI-ORIENT domain at T2-T0 (p=0.02). The findings revealed that a combined CT-and-PA intervention have positive immediate (T1-T0) and delayed (T2-T0) effects in cognitive function for older institutional residents with cognition-impairment. The two treatment groups did not show dose-response relationship. Even more, the low frequency intervention was more effective on several domains than high frequency intervention did.

The Effects of Sequential versus Simultaneous Combination of Cognitive Training and Multicomponent Exercise in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Abstract Date Presented 04/05/19 Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome defined as an intermediate stage between cognitively intact and clinically diagnosed dementia; the age-adjusted prevalence of MCI in Taiwan is approximately 18%. Combination of cognitive training and exercise has been found to be effective for improving cognitive functions. However, it is still unclear which combination method could induce better training effects. This study provides and discusses emerging work from Taiwan’s experience. Primary Author and Speaker: Ching-yi Wu Additional Authors and Speakers: I-Ching Chuang

Aerobic exercise modulates transfer and brain signal complexity following cognitive training

Although recent evidence has demonstrated the potent effect of physical exercise to increase the efficacy of cognitive training, the neural mechanisms underlying this causal relationship remain unclear. Here, we used multiscale entropy (MSE) of electroencephalography (EEG)—a measure of brain signal complexity—to address this issue. Young males were randomly assigned to either a 20-day dual n-back training following aerobic exercise or the same training regimen following a reading. A feature binding working memory task with concurrent EEG recording was used to test for transfer effects. Although results revealed weak-to-moderate evidence for exercise-induced facilitation on cognitive training, the combination of cognitive training with exercise resulted in greater transfer gains on conditions involving greater attentional demanding, together with greater increases in cognitive modulation on MSE, compared with the reading condition. Overall, our findings suggest that the addition of antecedent physical exercise to brain training regimen could enable wider, more robust improvements.

Enriched environment on the intestinal mucosal barrier and brain–gut axis in rats with colorectal cancer

An enriched environment (EE) is an animal housing technique where animals are given increased amounts of space, physical activity, and social interaction. Presently, researchers studying EEs focus mainly on their effects within the context of neurological diseases. However, little is known about how EEs affect the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study assessed the effects of an EE on the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with colorectal cancer.

Modulating fluid intelligence performance through combined cognitive training and brain stimulation

It is debated whether cognitive training of specific executive functions leads to far transfer effects, such as improvements in fluid intelligence (Gf). Within this context, transcranial direct current stimulation and recently also novel protocols such as transcranial random noise and alternating current stimulation are being investigated with regards to their ability to enhance cognitive training outcomes.We compared the effects of four different transcranial electrical brain stimulation protocols in combination with nine daily computerized training sessions on Gf.82 participants were randomly assigned to receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), random noise stimulation (tRNS), multifocal alternating current stimulation at 40 Hz (mftACS), or multifocal tDCS (mftDCS) in combination with an adaptive and synergistic executive function (EF) training, or to a no-contact control group. EF training consisted of gamified tasks drawing on isolated as well as integrated executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility). Transfer was assessed with a combined measure of Gf including three established tests (Bochumer Matrizentest - BOMAT, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices - RAPM, and Sandia Matrices). We found significant improvements in Gf for the tDCS, mftDCS, and tRNS groups when compared with the no-contact group. In contrast, the mftACS group did not improve significantly and showed a similar pattern as the no-contact group. Mediation analyses indicated that the improvement in Gf was mediated through game progression in the mftDCS and tRNS group. Electrical brain stimulation in combination with sustained EF training can lead to transfer effects in Gf, which are mediated by training progression.

Effects and mechanism of the HECT study (hybrid exercise-cognitive trainings) in mild ischemic stroke with cognitive decline: fMRI for brain plasticity, biomarker and behavioral analysis.

PurposeCognitive decline after stroke is highly associated with functional disability. Empirical evidence shows that exercise combined cognitive training may induce neuroplastic changes that modulate cognitive function. However, it is unclear whether hybridized exercise-cognitive training can facilitate cortical activity and physiological outcome measures and further influence on the cognitive function after stroke. This study will investigate the effects of two hybridized exercise-cognitive trainings on brain plasticity, physiological biomarkers and behavioral outcomes in stroke survivors with cognitive decline.Methods and significanceThis study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A target sample size of 75 participants is needed to obtain a statistical power of 95% with a significance level of 5%. Stroke survivors with mild cognitive decline will be stratified by Mini-Mental State Examination scores and then randomized 1:1:1 to sequential exercise-cognitive training, dual-task exercise-cognitive training or control groups. All groups will undergo training 60 min/day, 3 days/week, for a total of 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the resting-state functional connectivity and neural activation in the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes in functional magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes include physiological biomarkers, cognitive functions, physical function, daily functions and quality of life. This study may differentiate the effects of two hybridized trainings on cognitive function and health-related conditions and detect appropriate neurological and physiological indices to predict training effects. This study capitalizes on the groundwork for a non-pharmacological intervention of cognitive decline after stroke.

A randomized controlled trial of combined executive function and memory training on the cognitive and noncognitive function of individuals with mild cognitive impairment: Study rationale and protocol design

IntroductionCognitive training has attracted considerable attention as a safe, economical, and scalable nonpharmacologic intervention in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, no study has yet placed sufficient emphasis on the training of executive function. The present study aimed to evaluate whether memory training combined with executive training could lead to improved cognitive and noncognitive performance in patients with MCI. Furthermore, we will explore the neural correlates underlying the changed performances. MethodsThe proposed study is a randomized controlled trial that will include 120 patients with MCI. The eligible patients will be randomized to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group will receive computerized combined training (executive function and memory) for 96 sessions for more than 24 weeks. The control group will receive no intervention during the research period. Behavior data collection and a magnetic resonance imaging/electroencephalogram/near-infrared spectroscopy scan will be performed at baseline and after 24 weeks of intervention. ResultsThe study is currently ongoing. Recruitment began in July 2017 and will conclude in December 2018. DiscussionIf combined training results in positive changes to cognitive function and noncognitive function in patients with MCI, this might represent a new approach to delay the cognitive decline or even provide a potential method for dementia prevention. Furthermore, the evaluation of any training-related structural changes or functional changes will help to reveal the mechanisms underlying the combined cognitive training. Trial registrationThis study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03232047, August 18, 2017).

M87. Effects of Exercise and Cognitive Training on the Prefrontal Cortex in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients

Abstract Background: There is a critical need to understand neurotheraputic mechanisms in the brain to develop more effective interventions to improve cognitive abilities in schizophrenia. Both aerobic exercise and cognitive training separately have been found to improve brain plasticity and improve cognitive functioning in schizophrenia to a moderate degree. However, animal models have shown that the addition of cognitive training to an exercise program can augment the neuromodulatory effects of exercise. This study is the first to report on the effects of a combined exercise and cognitive training intervention on brain plasticity measures in first-episode schizophrenia patients. Methods: Whole-brain structural MRI scans (MPRAGE) were collected on a 3T MRI scanner at UCLA to extrapolate cortical thickness measures at baseline and at 6-month follow-up in 37 first-episode schizophrenia patients undergoing a pilot RCT of cognitive training and exercise. Patients were randomly assigned to either a combined cognitive training and exercise (CT&E, N = 20) or cognitive training without exercise (CT, N = 17) program for 6 months. We used brain plasticity-based computer programs from Posit Science (BrainHQ and SocialVille) for cognitive training. To examine the hypothesized role of neuroplasticity-inducing physical exercise the CT&E group also participated in an aerobic conditioning exercises for 150 minutes per week, including 45 minutes at UCLA 2 days a week and 30 minutes at home 2 days a week. Both treatment groups participated in these cognitive training sessions at UCLA 2 days a week, 2 hours a day. The MCCB cognitive battery was also administered at baseline and 6 month follow-up. Results: Significant Group × Time interactions for cortical thickness were found only in prefrontal regions and only as increases in the C&TE but not in the CT group. Focal increases were found in the left rostral middle frontal (DLPFC) (F = 5.71, P = .02), right superior frontal (F = 6.35, P = .02) and right medial orbitofrontal (OFC) (F = 4.01, P = .05) cortices. Conclusion: These structural brain findings highlight the role of exercise to bolster increases in volume which can lead to more efficient functional organization in the prefrontal cortex and drive improvements in executive functioning. This research has the potential to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms driving cognitive improvement in this combined intervention and help to guide treatment development in the early phase of schizophrenia.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

To assess the efficacy of a combination of cognitive training (COG) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), on cognitive performance, locomotor activity, apathy, caregiver burden and dependence of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A combination of COG and rTMS was performed in 10 patients with AD (NeuroAD procedure) for a period of 5weeks (one session per day, 5days a week), without maintenance sessions. Patients were evaluated at the end of the treatment (D45) and 6months later (M6) by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Alzheimer disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), various neuropsychological tests and clinical scores specific for locomotor activity, apathy, caregiver burden, and dependence, recorded before the study (baseline). The primary endpoint was the improvement of the ADAS-Cog score at D45, which was reached. Six months after the end of the treatment, the ADAS-Cog score returned to baseline value, except for the best responders who remained significantly improved. The other main result was the improvement of apathy and dependence scores at both D45 and M6 for the entire series of patients. No serious adverse events occurred and all patients completed the study. The results of this open-label study confirm the feasibility of the rTMS-COG procedure in AD patients, and suggest that these patients can benefit from the procedure, in terms of cognitive performances, apathy and dependence, even in the long term. These promising results remain to be confirmed in controlled studies based on a larger population size, which could also help identify the prognostic factors associated with good outcome, in order to optimize patient selection.

The ERP Effects of Combined Cognitive Training on Intention-Based and Stimulus-Based Actions in Older Chinese Adults

Age-related decreases in action are caused by neuromuscular weakness and cognitive decline. Although physical interventions have been reported to have beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults, whether cognitive training improves action-related function remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of combined cognitive training on intention-based and stimulus-based actions in older adults using event-related potentials (ERPs). A total of 26 healthy older adults (16 in the training group and 10 in the control group) participated in the study. The training group received 16 sessions of cognitive training, including eight sessions of executive function training and eight sessions of memory strategy training. Before and after training, both groups of participants underwent cognitive assessments and ERP recordings during both the acquisition and test phases with a motor cognitive paradigm. During the acquisition phase, subjects were asked to press one of two keys, either using a self-selected (intention-based) method or based on the preceding stimulus (stimulus-based). During the test phase, subjects were asked to respond to the pre-cues with either congruent or incongruent tasks. Using ERP indices—including readiness potential, P3 and contingent negative variation to identify motor preparation, stimulus processing and interference effect, respectively—we revealed the effects of training on both intention-based and stimulus-based actions. The correlations were also computed between the improved cognitive performance and the ERP amplitudes. It was shown that the improved executive function might extend substantial benefits to both actions, whereas associative memory may be specifically related to the bidirectional action-effect association of intention-based action, although the training effect of memory was absent during the insufficient training hours. In sum, the present study provided empirical evidence demonstrating that action could benefit from cognitive training. Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR-OON-16007793.

Combined Cognitive Training vs. Memory Strategy Training in Healthy Older Adults.

As mnemonic utilization deficit in older adults associates with age-related decline in executive function, we hypothesized that memory strategy training combined with executive function training might induce larger training effect in memory and broader training effects in non-memory outcomes than pure memory training. The present study compared the effects of combined cognitive training (executive function training plus memory strategy training) to pure memory strategy training. Forty healthy older adults were randomly assigned to a combined cognitive training group or a memory strategy training group. A control group receiving no training was also included. Combined cognitive training group received 16 sessions of training (eight sessions of executive function training followed by eight sessions of memory strategy training). Memory training group received 16 sessions of memory strategy training. The results partly supported our hypothesis in that indeed improved performance on executive function was only found in combined training group, whereas memory performance increased less in combined training compared to memory strategy group. Results suggest that combined cognitive training may be less efficient than pure memory training in memory outcomes, though the influences from insufficient training time and less closeness between trained executive function and working memory could not be excluded; however it has broader training effects in non-memory outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR-OON-16007793.

Neurophysiological evaluation of interventions targeted on senior citizens: a comparison of cognitive-physical training with traditional Greek dancing.

Neurophysiological evaluation of interventions targeted on senior citizens: a comparison of cognitive-physical training with traditional Greek dancing.

Does combined cognitive training and physical activity training enhance cognitive abilities more than either alone? A four-condition randomized controlled trial among healthy older adults

Cognitive training and aerobic training are known to improve cognitive functions. To examine the separate and combined effects of such training on cognitive performance, four groups of healthy older adults embarked on a 4 months cognitive and/or mild aerobic training. A first group [n = 33, mean age = 80 (66–90)] engaged in cognitive training, a second [n = 29, mean age = 81 (65–89)] in mild aerobic training, a third [n = 29, mean age = 79 (70–93)] in the combination of both, and a fourth [n = 31, mean age = 79 (71–92)] control group engaged in book-reading activity. The outcome was a well-validated multi-domain computerized cognitive evaluation for older adults. The results indicate that, when compared to older adults who did not engage in cognitive training (the mild aerobic and control groups) older adults who engaged in cognitive training (separate or combined training groups) showed significant improvement in cognitive performance on Hand-Eye Coordination, Global Visual Memory (GVM; working memory and long-term memory), Speed of Information Processing, Visual Scanning, and Naming. Indeed, individuals who did not engage in cognitive training showed no such improvements. Those results suggest that cognitive training is effective in improving cognitive performance and that it (and not mild aerobic training) is driving the improvement in the combined condition. Results are discussed in terms of the special circumstances of aerobic and cognitive training for older adults who are above 80 years of age.