Effects Of Cognitive Training Research Articles

Effect of STIN2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene on background EEG in aged subjects depends on the intellectual environment of professional activity

Previously, we found that associations between the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and cognitive characteristics during aging depend on the intellectual environment of professional activity. In this regard, the present study was aimed to investigate the age-related characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain depending on this polymorphism and long-term intellectual training. We examined EEG power indicators in subjects of the younger (YG, 18–35 years, N = 261) and older (OG, 55–80 years, N = 142) age groups. According to the intellectual richness of the professional activity environment, the subjects were divided into scientists (SA) and those engaged in non-scientific activities (NSA). All subjects were genotyped for the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. It was found that the power of delta-beta1 rhythms in older carriers of the 10/10 and 12/12 genotypes was opposite in SA and NSA groups (in the SA group 10/10 12/12, in the NSA 12/12 10/10) while similar effects in young subjects were absent. In the absence of cognitive training, genetic differences were determined by an age-related decrease in the power of delta-alpha3 rhythms in carriers of the 10/10 genotype with no age-related differences in carriers of the 12/12 genotype, suggesting the resistance of the 12/12 genotype to age-related changes. In contrast, under cognitive training conditions, there were no age differences in the 10/10 genotype, and a decrease in power was observed in the 12/12 genotype, suggesting an effect of cognitive training on both homozygous genotypes. The decrease in power observed for the 10/10 NSA and 12/12 SA genotypes appears to have different physiological significance, since it was accompanied by changes in attentional efficiency only in the NSA group. The work shows for the first time that the background EEG features associated with the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in elderly people are under the modulating influence of long-term cognitive training, determined by the specificity of professional activity.

The effects of cognitive training on driving performance.

Driving is a complex task necessitating an intricate interplay of sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. Extensive research has underscored the role of neurocognitive functions, including attention, memory, executive functions, and visuospatial skills, in driving safety and performance. Despite evidence suggesting cognitive training's potential in enhancing driving abilities, comprehensive cognitive training's impact on driving performance in young adult drivers remains unexplored. Our study aimed to fill this gap by implementing an intensive, 8-week, multidomain computerized cognitive training program and assessing its transfer effects on the driving performance of young adult drivers, using a high-fidelity simulator. The study employed a randomized controlled trial design, with passive control group. The mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a notable interaction between the time of testing and the respective participant groups concerning driving performance. Post hoc analyses showed that, compared to the control group, participants undergoing cognitive training demonstrated significantly fewer traffic infractions in the post-training evaluation. These findings suggest that cognitive training could be a useful tool for enhancing driving safety and performance in young adult drivers. Further research should aim to address the limitations posed by the absence of an active control group.

Effects of cognitive training on cognitive function in patients after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Postoperative cognitive deficits frequently occur in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, leaving them with reduced cognitive function. Cognitive training has been shown to improve cognitive function, however, the role in patients after cardiac surgery is unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cognitive training in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang was conducted until March 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. Potential bias and reliability of evidence were fairly assessed by using the Cochrane risk of bias method and the GRADE evidence grading method. A total of 16 studies involving 1335 cardiac surgery patients were included in this study. Compared with the control group, the cognitive training group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.65, P = .001), significantly improved cognitive function (MD 2.54, 95% CI 1.27-3.81, P < .001), and a significantly higher quality of life-mental component (MD 5.22, 95% CI 2.32-8.13, P < .001), anxiety (MD -6.05, 95% CI -10.96 to -1.15, P = .02) and depression (MD -3.97, 95% CI -7.15 to -0.80, P = .01) were significantly improved between groups. However, the differences were not statistically significant for postoperative delirium (RR 1, 95% CI 0.38-2.65, P = 1.00) and postoperative hospitalization (MD -0.95, 95% CI -2.90 to 1.00, P = .34). The present study, based on a low to moderate quality of evidence, suggests that cognitive training improves cognitive functioning, reduces the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and has a positive impact on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, current evidence does not allow for the determination of effects on quality of life, postoperative delirium, and postoperative length of stay.

Effect of cognitive training on selected gait parameters in patients with stroke

Background. Not only may early cognitive rehabilitation help stroke patients with their cognitive impairment, but it can also help patients restore their capabilities to do everyday activities. There isn’t much data on how cognitive training affects spatiotemporal gait variables in stroke survivors. Objective. To examine the impact of cognitive training on selected gait parameters in stroke patients. Subjects and Methods. Forty male and female patients with mild ischemic chronic stroke, ranging in age from 45 to 60 years, were recruited and distributed into two equal groups at random (G1 and G2). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA) and the Rehacom system were utilized to evaluate the patient’s cognitive function. The Biodex gait trainer device was utilized to measure several gait variables for all patients. Rehacom cognitive training and a selected physiotherapy program were administered to the study group (G1). The similar selected physiotherapy program utilized for the G1 was applied to the control group (G2). For eight weeks, the treatment was administrated three sessions each week, day after day. All variables were evaluated before- and after-intervention. Results. The step length and walking speed, as well as the MOCA scale score of G1, were significantly higher after treatment than those of G2 (p = 0.001). The correlation between step length and median reaction time (MRT) was moderate negative significant correlation (r = – 0.698, p = 0.001). Conclusion. Cognitive training has a beneficial impact on improving the selected spatiotemporal gait parameters in stroke patients.

Comparative effects of cognitive and instability resistance training versus instability resistance training on balance and cognition in elderly women

This study investigates the effects of integrated instability resistance training and cognitive training (IRCT) versus isolated instability resistance training (IRT) on balance, gait, muscle strength, and cognitive functions in elderly women.This randomized controlled trial included 36 participants, with 18 in the IRCT group and 18 in the IRT group. The sample size was estimated to achieve a statistical power of 0.95 with a large effect size (0.40; n = 12 each group). The closed-eye single-leg stand test was measured for static balance, the closed-eye stepping test, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were measured for dynamic balance. Dual-task balance was assessed by combining the TUGT with cognitive tasks (TUGT-C) and motor tasks (TUGT-M). Gait performance was evaluated using a gait function system. Lower limb muscle strength was measured with the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. Cognitive function was assessed through the Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Span Test (DST), Stroop Color and Word Test (Stroop), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results IRCT group showed better improvements in both cognitive (p < 0.001) and motor (p = 0.812 for baseline; p < 0.001 for post-intervention) dual-task abilities, IRCT also experienced better enhancement in certain cognitive functions, particularly in the TMT (p = 0.001) and DSST (p = 0.022) compared to the IRT group. Both groups demonstrated enhancements in walking abilities as shown on selective markers of the gait performance test (p < 0.05) and leg muscle strength via 30-Second Chair (p < 0.001 for time main effect). These results suggest that combining cognitive exercises with physical training more effectively addresses the complex challenges associated with aging in women. The study highlights the potential of comprehensive training approaches in boosting health and quality of life for the elderly, with implications for developing tailored exercise programs focused on reducing fall risks and enhancing quality of life in this population.

Tablet computer-based cognitive training for visuomotor integration in children with developmental delay: a pilot study

BackgroundImpaired visuomotor integration (VMI) is commonly observed in children with developmental delay (DD). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of tablet computer-based cognitive training on the VMI in children with DD.MethodsThis study included children aged 4 to under 18 years diagnosed with DD. The children participated in a 12-week tablet computer-based visual-spatial and visuomotor training program. They were administered the Mind Rx Kids Program (Brain Academy, Seoul, South Korea). The participants underwent daily 30-min tablet computer-based training for 12 weeks. The primary visuomotor function was measured using the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, 6th Edition (VMI-6). For secondary outcomes, measurements were taken before and after 12-week treatment using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Rating Scale (ARS), and Child Smartphone Addiction Observer Scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment outcomes.ResultsTen children with DD participated in this study. The results of the 12-week tablet computer-based cognitive training showed significant improvements in the raw score, standard score, percentile score, and equivalent age of the Beery VMI-6. Additionally, there were significant improvements in QUEST and WeeFIM scores. Although there were improvements in the CARS, ARS, and smartphone addiction observer scale, these were not statistically significant.ConclusionThis pilot study confirmed that applying tablet computer-based cognitive training to children with DD not only improves VMI, but also enhances fine motor skills and activities of daily living. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that tablet computer-based cognitive training does not increase digital media addiction. Therefore, children with DD can engage in tablet computer-based cognitive training at home without concerns about digital media addiction.

Effectiveness of combined physical exercise and cognitive training in older adults with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Falls among cognitively impaired older adults are a global concern. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of combining physical exercise and cognitive training to improve balance among older adults. A systematic search of databases, including Embase, Medline-OVID, CINAHL-EBSCOhost, and Central-Cochrane Library, was conducted from March 9 to April 6, 2023. The search used keywords based on the PICO question, where the population was older adults with cognitive impairment. Compared to a single therapy, the intervention involved a combination of muscle strengthening and cognitive therapy, with the outcome of falls or balance. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in any setting. Studies with participants under 60 years old and lacking baseline clinical assessments were excluded. EndNote 20 was used as a reference manager tool, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flow diagram was used to map out the number of identified records. Two investigators worked independently, and the Jadad scale was used for critical appraisal. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023454876. A fixed-effects meta-analysis was performed using an inverse-variance method. Four articles met the inclusion criteria, three of which were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were from Europe, New Zealand, and the Philippines, with a total sample of 255 participants and mean ages of 65.9–87.5 years. The studies used combined physical and cognitive training in one group. Results showed a significant moderate effect size (effect size (ES): 2.29; standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.41; p&lt;0.05; heterogeneity (I2): 0%) indicating no heterogeneity. In conclusion, the combined intervention displayed the potential to improve balance for cognitively impaired older adults.

The impact of early speech and language cognitive training care on the developmental quotient of children with language impairments: A retrospective study.

This study aims to investigate the effects of early speech and language cognitive training on the nursing outcomes of children with language impairments and their impact on developmental quotient. From October 2018 to October 2023, the data of 80 children with language impairments treated at our hospital were selected. They were divided into an observation group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40) based on the treatment plan. The control group received routine rehabilitation training, while the observation group received early cognitive language rehabilitation training. The treatment efficacy of the 2 groups, as well as differences in Gesell Developmental Schedule scores and serum indicators before and after treatment, were observed and analyzed. The treatment efficacy in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P < .05), with a total effective rate of 92.50% in the observation group. After 6 months of treatment, the scores for adaptability, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, personal-social behavior, and language development quotient in the observation group were (77.41 ± 10.21), (77.15 ± 10.43), (80.43 ± 11.19), (71.14 ± 10.42), and (81.21 ± 12.03), respectively, significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). After 6 months of treatment, the mental development index and psychomotor development index in the observation group were (107.28 ± 10.43) and (96.60 ± 9.03), respectively, which were markedly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). After 6 months of treatment, the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3], and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the observation group were (52.43 ± 9.44) ng/mL, (31.45 ± 4.82) ng/mL, and (76.65 ± 10.54) µmol/mL, respectively. These levels were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > .05). The blood flow velocities of the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, basal artery, and vertebral artery in the observation group and control group were compared after 6 months of treatment (P > .05). Early speech and cognitive training have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of language disorders, as it can improve developmental quotient in affected children and increase serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, 25(OH)D3, and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Cognitive and Metacognitive Reading Strategies for Ethiopian Students in English as a Foreign Language

Purpose. This study's purpose is to investigate the effects of explicit cognitive reading strategy training on reading performance and metacognitive reading strategy awareness of Grade 9 students of Heto Secondary School at Hosanna Town, 232, south-west of Addis Ababa. Methodology. For this quasi-experimental study, two parallel home-made tests, a pre-test and a post-test administered before and after the intervention, respectively, and a metacognitive reading strategy awareness questionnaire were used. Data were gathered from 100 participants of experimental and control groups, 50 students from each group, before and after 14 hours strategy training within 12 weeks. SPSS, version 25, was used to analyse data. Independent Samples Test to compare groups, and Paired Samples Test to compare variables/scores of the groups were employed during analysis. Results. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test scores of reading performance (p=.000) of each group. However, the Experimental Group made an increment in reading performance, whereas the Control Group made the opposite, a decrement in reading performance. The relationship of both groups was strong and positive. However, neither group showed significant changes in metacognitive reading strategy awareness. Conclusion. The study concluded that explicit cognitive reading strategy instruction empowered students to outperform reading comprehension and vice versa, though it did not change students’ strategy awareness. This implies that concerned bodies should give due attention to enhancing the explicit approach to cognitive reading strategy teaching.

Enhancing creative divergent thinking in older adults with a semantic retrieval strategy

ABSTRACT Creative divergent thinking involves the generation of unique ideas by pulling from semantic memory stores and exercising cognitive flexibility to shape these memories into something new. Although cognitive abilities decline with age, semantic memory tends to remain intact. This study aims to utilize that memory to investigate the effectiveness of a brief cognitive training to improve creative divergent thinking. Older adults were trained using a semantic retrieval strategy to improve creativity in the Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and the Divergent Association Task (DAT). Participants were tested on the AUT and DAT across three time points: before the strategy was introduced (T0 and T1) and afterward (T2). Results showed that the strategy enhances idea novelty in the AUT; additionally, participants that initially scored lowest on the AUT showed the greatest increase in AUT performance. This finding suggests that older adults can use a semantic retrieval strategy to enhance creative divergent thinking.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Motor Training on Motor Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects

Effectiveness of Cognitive Motor Training on Motor Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects

Individualised computerised cognitive training (iCCT) for community-dwelling people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): results on cognition in the 6-month intervention period of a randomised controlled trial (MCI-CCT study)

BackgroundComputerised cognitive training (CCT) can improve the cognitive abilities of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially when the CCT contains a learning system, which is a type of machine learning (ML) that automatically selects exercises at a difficulty that corresponds to the person’s peak performance and thus enables individualised training.MethodsWe developed one individualised CCT (iCCT) with ML and one basic CCT (bCCT) for an active control group (CG). The study aimed to determine whether iCCT in the intervention group (IG) resulted in significantly greater enhancements in overall cognitive functioning for individuals with MCI (age 60+) compared with bCCT in the CG across a 6-month period. This double-blind randomised controlled study was conducted entirely virtually. The 89 participants were community-dwelling people with a psychometric diagnosis of MCI living in Germany. The iCCT stimulates various cognitive functions, especially working memory, visuo-constructional reasoning, and decision-making. The bCCT includes fewer and simpler tasks. Both CCTs were used at home. At baseline and after 6 months, we assessed cognitive functioning with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A mixed-model ANCOVA was conducted as the main analysis.ResultsBoth CCTs led to significant increases in average global cognition. The estimated marginal means of the MoCA score increased significantly in the CG by an average of 0.9 points (95% CI [0.2, 1.7]) from 22.3 (SE = 0.25) to 23.2 (SE = 0.41) points (p = 0.018); in the IG, the MoCA score increased by an average of 2.2 points (95% CI [1.4, 2.9]) from 21.9 (SE = 0.26) to 24.1 (SE = 0.42) points (p < 0.001). In a confound-adjusted multiple regression model, the interaction between time and group was statistically significant (F = 4.92; p = 0.029). The effect size was small to medium (partial η2 = 0.057). On average, the participants used the CCTs three times per week with an average duration of 34.9 min per application. The iCCT was evaluated as more attractive and more stimulating than the bCCT.ConclusionsBy using a multi-tasking CCT three times a week for 30 min, people with MCI living at home can significantly improve their cognitive abilities within 6 months. The use of ML significantly increases the effectiveness of cognitive training and improves user satisfaction.Trial registrationISRCTN14437015; registered February 27, 2020.

Effects of cognitive training under hypoxia on cognitive proficiency and neuroplasticity in remitted patients with mood disorders and healthy individuals: ALTIBRAIN study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCognitive impairment is prevalent across neuropsychiatric disorders but there is a lack of treatment strategies with robust, enduring effects. Emerging evidence indicates that altitude-like hypoxia cognition training may induce long-lasting neuroplasticity and improve cognition. We will investigate whether repeated cognition training under normobaric hypoxia can improve cognitive functions in healthy individuals and patients with affective disorders and the neurobiological underpinnings of such effects.MethodsIn sub-study 1, 120 healthy participants are randomized to one of four treatment arms in a double-blind manner, allowing for examination of separate and combined effects of three-week repeated moderate hypoxia and cognitive training, respectively. In sub-study 2, 60 remitted patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder are randomized to hypoxia with cognition training or treatment as usual. Assessments of cognition, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life are performed at baseline, end-of-treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans are conducted at baseline and 1-month follow-up, and [11C]UCB-J positron emission tomography (PET) scans are performed at end-of-treatment to quantify the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The primary outcome is a cognitive composite score of attention, verbal memory, and executive functions. Statistical power of ≥ 80% is reached to detect a clinically relevant between-group difference with minimum n = 26 per treatment arm. Behavioral data are analyzed with an intention-to-treat approach using mixed models. fMRI data is analyzed with the FMRIB Software Library, while PET data is quantified using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) with centrum semiovale as reference region.DiscussionThe results will provide novel insights into whether repeated hypoxia cognition training increases cognition and brain plasticity, which can aid future treatment development strategies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06121206. Registered on 31 October 2023.

Effects of cognitive training and group psychotherapy on cognitive performance of post COVID-19 patients: an exploratory and non-randomized clinical trial.

Cognitive complaints are common signs of the Post COVID-19 (PC) condition, but the extent and type of cognitive impairment may be heterogeneous. Little is known about neuropsychological treatment options. Preliminary evidence suggests cognitive symptoms may improve with cognitive training and naturally over time. In this clinical trial, we examined whether participation in a weekly group consisting of cognitive training and group psychotherapy is feasible and would exert beneficial effects on cognitive performance in PC and whether improvements were associated with intervention group participation or represented a temporal improvement effect during syndrome progression. 15 PC patients underwent an 8-week intervention. Cognitive performance was assessed before and after each intervention group participation. A control group of 15 PC patients with subjective neurocognitive or psychiatric complaints underwent two cognitive assessments with comparable time intervals without group participation. To attribute changes to the intervention group participation, interaction effects of group participation and time were checked for significance. This is an exploratory, non-randomized, non-blinded controlled clinical trial. Within the intervention group, significant improvements were found for most cognitive measures. However, significant time x group interactions were only detected in some dimensions of verbal memory and visuo-spatial construction skills. Significant time effects were observed for attention, concentration, memory, executive functions, and processing speed. The intervention setting was feasible and rated as helpful and relevant by the patients. Our results suggest that cognitive symptoms of PC patients may improve over time. Patients affected by both neurocognitive impairments and mental disorders benefit from group psychotherapy and neurocognitive training. The present study provides evidence for a better understanding of the dynamic symptomatology of PC and might help to develop further studies addressing possible therapy designs. The main limitations of this exploratory feasibility trial are the small sample size as well as the non-randomized design due to the clinical setting.

The Relationship Between 10-year Changes in Cognitive Ability and Subsequent Mortality: Findings from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial.

Cognitive ability and cognitive decline are related to mortality in older adults. Cognitive interventions have been found to improve cognitive performance and slow cognitive decline in later life. However, the longitudinal effects of cognitive interventions on mortality in older adults remain unclear. Using twenty-year follow-up data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, we examined the association between cognitive trajectory (i.e., intercept, slope, and retest effect) and mortality, using shared growth-survival models. We evaluated the effect of ACTIVE cognitive training (memory, reasoning, and speed of processing) on mortality risk. Among the 2,802 participants, 2,021 died on or before the year 2019 (72.1%). Higher baseline, slower decline, and greater retest effects in general cognitive performance were associated with lower mortality risk after adjusting for covariates. Associations with mortality were similar contrasting general and domain-specific cognitive abilities. We did not observe any significant effects of ACTIVE cognitive training in memory, reasoning, or speed of processing on all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest cognitive training interventions do not have a significant effect on cognitive trajectory and mortality among older adults; rather, older adults with higher education tend to incur greater survival benefits from memory training.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehearsal in Addressing Nursing Incivility: An Integrative Review.

Incivility is detrimental to nurses, patients, and health care organizations. Cognitive rehearsal has shown promise in addressing incivility, yet the most recent review of cognitive rehearsal training contained articles published in 2014 and earlier. This review integrates current knowledge of the effectiveness of cognitive rehearsal training in addressing nursing incivility. Four databases were searched from January 2018 to April 2023. Thematic analysis was used to analyze 22 studies. Three main themes emerged: (a) theoretical frameworks, (b) participant responses to cognitive rehearsal training, and (c) work culture influences. Nine theoretical frameworks uncover the mechanism behind nursing incivility and provide guidance on how to remedy it. Cognitive rehearsal training that includes four core components can foster skills and confidence to address nursing incivility and, in turn, decrease its occurrence, but training alone is not sufficient. Nurse managers and leaders need to model civil behavior, support zero tolerance, create a safe environment for reporting incivility, and intervene effectively. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx-xx.].

Immersive Virtual Reality Cognitive Training for Improving Cognition and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults. Current Evidence and Future Recommendations. A Systematic Review.

Older adults, particularly impacted by the pandemic, are anticipated to face considerable challenges to their cognitive and psychological health. Various cognitive training methods have been proposed to improve their cognitive decline through regular practice. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers a promising avenue to bolster cognitive and mental health care accessibility for older adults and has shown potential in augmenting traditional cognitive training methods. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of IVR-based cognitive training on improving cognitive impairments and depressive symptoms among older adults, irrespective of their level of cognitive decline. Systematic searches were conducted across MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to December 2022. Only peer-reviewed articles reporting results from randomized controlled trials and pilot studies, focusing on the effects of VR-based cognitive training on adults aged 55 or older, were deemed eligible. Using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, the risk of bias was appraised for each selected study. Out of 3,835 studies identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative analyses concluded that IVR cognitive training interventions enhanced certain cognitive functions and well-being among older adults, notably those with mild cognitive impairments. These interventions were particularly effective in boosting memory, visuospatial abilities, and measures related to depressive symptoms and overall well-being. However, enhancements were less pronounced for executive functions, attention, and global cognition. Based on these findings, we propose a set of tailored, inclusive, and evidence-based recommendations to adapt emerging technologies to better accommodate the needs of older adults.

Cognitive training and physical therapy for fibromyalgia : Results of the KogTraP pilot study

The effectiveness of additive cognitive training in groups to the standard physical-medical therapy for primary and secondary fibromyalgia syndrome (p/sFMS) and asubsequent home-based self-training phase (STP) was analyzed. In the prospective controlled randomized study, 32people with confirmed p/sFMS were included, whereby 4patients could not be evaluated. During 2weeks of acute inpatient therapy, the control group (CG; n = 12) received standard physical-medical therapy and the intervention group (IG, n = 16) also received social-communicative cognitive group training (once/day, 60 min). In thesubsequent 3‑months, STP training was continued by both groups. Outcome parameters at baseline (U1), at discharge (U2), and after a quarteryear (U3) were pain, well-being/depressive mood, general health, and cognitive parameters (memory functions, cognitive speed). Both groups showed significant pain relief (U2 vs. U1), which was 10% more in the IG. Asignificant improvement in mood could be seen in both groups, but only the IG no longer achieved depressive values in the follow-up (U3). An improvement in the general state of health was also detected in both groups, which was only maintained in the IG until the end of the STP. Cognitive performance remained the same in the IG at U2, while there was areduction in the CG; cognitive speed could only be further improved in the IG during the STP. Adding cognitive training to astandard physical-medical clinical therapy resulted in significant pain relief and improvement of depression in patients during ahospital stay.

A meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training on working memory in healthy older adults.

Working memory (WM) loss, which can lead to a loss of independence, and declines in the quality of life of older adults, is becoming an increasingly prominent issue affecting the ageing population. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, is emerging as a potential alternative to pharmacological treatments that shows promise for enhancing WM capacity and May enhance the effects of cognitive training (CT) interventions. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore how different tDCS protocols in combination with CT enhanced WM in healthy older adults. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of tDCS combined with CT on WM in healthy older adults were retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases. The search time period ranged from database inception to January 15, 2024. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the risk-of-bias criteria for RCTs from the Cochrane Collaboration Network, and RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) was used for the meta-analysis of the final literature outcomes. Six RCTs with a total of 323 participants were ultimately included. The results of the meta-analysis show that tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM performance compared to the control sham stimulation group in healthy older adults [standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.11-0.59, I 2 = 0%, Z = 2.86, p = 0.004]. The first subgroup analysis indicated that, when the stimulus intensity was 2 mA, a statistically significant improvement in WM performance in healthy older adults was achieved (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.08-0.70, I 2 = 6%, Z = 2.46, p = 0.01). The second subgroup analysis showed that long-term intervention (≥ 10 sessions) with tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improved WM compared to the control group in healthy older adults (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.22-1.21, I 2 = 0%, Z = 2.85, p = 0.004). tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM in healthy older adults. For the stimulus parameters, long-term interventions (≥ 10 sessions) with a stimulation intensity of 2 mA are the most effective.

A - 31 The Interaction of Cognitive Reserve and Multi-Modal Cognitive Training on the Cognitive Functioning of Older Adults at Risk for Dementia

Abstract Objective Multi-modal cognitive training improves cognition among those at risk for dementia. Although the mechanism is likely via improved cognitive flexibility, conceptually central cognitive reserve, it remains unclear whether cognitive reserve moderates cognitive training effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether baseline cognitive reserve moderates cognitive improvement following cognitive training. Methods Forty-one older adults (M = 72.7+/−4.9 years, 65.1% female, 17% non-white) with self-reported memory loss and baseline TICS score of 24–37 participated in a 6-month cognitive training intervention consisting of weekly computer-administered piano lesson and 30 minutes of daily homework. Cognition was assessed pre and post-intervention using CNS-Vital Signs. Specific domains tested were cognitive flexibility, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning. Cognitive reserve was operationalized as years of education. Results Significant post-training improvements occurred in all three cognitive domains (cognitive flexibility t = −6.34, p &amp;lt; 0.001; psychomotor speed t = −2.62, p = 0.01; executive functioning t = −6.49, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Years of education significantly moderated improvements in executive functioning (b = −0.06, SE(b) = 0.03, t(37) = −2.07, p = 0.045), but neither cognitive flexibility nor psychomotor speed. Specifically, participants with lower education improved most in executive functioning (b = 1.60, t = 2.78, p = 0.008). Conclusions Findings suggest that participants with lower cognitive reserve may benefit more from far-transfer effects of cognitive training on executive functioning. This was not observed in domains closely related (cognitive flexibility) and relatively unrelated (psychomotor speed) to cognitive reserve.