1
|
Verty LV, Mellah S, Maltezos S, Boujut A, Lussier M, Bherer L, Belleville S. Youth-like brain activation linked with greater cognitive training gains in older adults: Insights from the ACTOP study. Cortex 2024; 176:221-233. [PMID: 38805784 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between inter-individual neurofunctional differences in older adults and cognitive training efficacy, with a specific focus on the association between youth-like task-related brain activation and improvements in working memory (WM) training. The data is part of the Attentional Control Training for Older People (ACTOP) study, 30 older adults completed 12 half-hour WM training sessions. The WM performance slope, assessed at the conclusion of sessions 1 through 6 and sessions 7 to 12, determined early- and late-stage training gains, respectively. Transfer measures were taken before (PRE), midway (MID), and after (POST) training, and the differences in MID-PRE and POST-MID on transfer tasks were used to determine early- and late-stage transfer effects, respectively. The Goodness of Fit (GOF) metric was used to quantify the similarity between each older adult's activation pattern, as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to that of a group of younger adults. GOF scores were calculated for activation during low-load (1-0back) and high-load (2-0back) N-back tasks. The results indicated that larger GOF scores in the low-load condition were associated with greater training gains in both the early and late learning stages, and that larger GOF scores in the high-load condition were associated with greater training gains during the late-stage. These findings suggest that a youth-like brain activation pattern in older adults is associated with greater cognitive training benefits, underscoring the role of inter-individual neurofunctional differences to account for variations in training outcomes among older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03532113; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03532113.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Valeyry Verty
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samira Mellah
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha Maltezos
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Boujut
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Université de Limoges, HAVAE - UR20217, Limoges, France; 3iL Ingénieurs, Limoges, France
| | - Maxime Lussier
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Bherer
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Belleville
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zając-Lamparska L. Limited training and transfer effects in older and young adults who participated in 12 sessions of process-based working memory training. A three-armed pretest-posttest design study. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:181. [PMID: 38943197 PMCID: PMC11214245 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06844-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults. However, there is limited evidence of the transfer occurrence. The part of the study presented here tested the effect of 12 process-based working memory training sessions on the performance of the trained task (training effect) and other cognitive tasks (transfer effect). A pretest-posttest study design with one experimental group and two control (passive and active) groups. The sample comprised three groups of older adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 22), active control (n = 7), and young adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 25), and active control (n = 12). The study was registered after completion with a ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06235840 on 31 January 2024. RESULTS Under the influence of training, the performance of the trained task improved significantly, but only in young adults. Transfer of WM training effects was not revealed. Among young adults, a testing effect was observed for the indicator of attentional focus and psychomotor speed. Moreover, the obtained results suggest the transfer from practice in multi-domain training, implemented in the active control group, to tasks that require the use of fluid intelligence. However, this finding should be interpreted with great caution due to the small size of active control groups.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang X, Zeng Y, Jiao G, Gan X, Linden D, Hernaus D, Zhu C, Li K, Yao D, Yao S, Jiang Y, Becker B. A brief real-time fNIRS-informed neurofeedback training of the prefrontal cortex changes brain activity and connectivity during subsequent working memory challenge. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110968. [PMID: 38354898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) represents a building-block of higher cognitive functions and a wide range of mental disorders are associated with WM impairments. Initial studies have shown that several sessions of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) informed real-time neurofeedback (NF) allow healthy individuals to volitionally increase activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critically involved in WM. For the translation to therapeutic or neuroenhancement applications, however, it is critical to assess whether fNIRS-NF success transfers into neural and behavioral WM enhancement in the absence of feedback. We therefore combined single-session fNIRS-NF of the left DLPFC with a randomized sham-controlled design (N = 62 participants) and a subsequent WM challenge with concomitant functional MRI. Over four runs of fNIRS-NF, the left DLPFC NF training group demonstrated enhanced neural activity in this region, reflecting successful acquisition of neural self-regulation. During the subsequent WM challenge, we observed no evidence for performance differences between the training and the sham group. Importantly, however, examination of the fMRI data revealed that - compared to the sham group - the training group exhibited significantly increased regional activity in the bilateral DLPFC and decreased left DLPFC - left anterior insula functional connectivity during the WM challenge. Exploratory analyses revealed a negative association between DLPFC activity and WM reaction times in the NF group. Together, these findings indicate that healthy individuals can learn to volitionally increase left DLPFC activity in a single training session and that the training success translates into WM-related neural activation and connectivity changes in the absence of feedback. This renders fNIRS-NF as a promising and scalable WM intervention approach that could be applied to various mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Yixu Zeng
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojuan Jiao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyang Gan
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - David Linden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Chaozhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Keshuang Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxia Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihan Jiang
- Center for the Cognitive Science of Language, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China.
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The University of Hong Kong, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong, Department of Psychology, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sandoval-Lentisco A, López-Nicolás R, Tortajada M, López-López JA, Sánchez-Meca J. Transparency in Cognitive Training Meta-analyses: A Meta-review. Neuropsychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s11065-024-09638-2. [PMID: 38639881 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-024-09638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Meta-analyses often present flexibility regarding their inclusion criteria, outcomes of interest, statistical analyses, and assessments of the primary studies. For this reason, it is necessary to transparently report all the information that could impact the results. In this meta-review, we aimed to assess the transparency of meta-analyses that examined the benefits of cognitive training, given the ongoing controversy that exists in this field. Ninety-seven meta-analytic reviews were included, which examined a wide range of populations with different clinical conditions and ages. Regarding the reporting, information about the search of the studies, screening procedure, or data collection was detailed by most reviews. However, authors usually failed to report other aspects such as the specific meta-analytic parameters, the formula used to compute the effect sizes, or the data from primary studies that were used to compute the effect sizes. Although some of these practices have improved over the years, others remained the same. Moreover, examining the eligibility criteria of the reviews revealed a great heterogeneity in aspects such as the training duration, age cut-offs, or study designs that were considered. Preregistered meta-analyses often specified poorly how they would deal with the multiplicity of data or assess publication bias in their protocols, and some contained non-disclosed deviations in their eligibility criteria or outcomes of interests. The findings shown here, although they do not question the benefits of cognitive training, illustrate important aspects that future reviews must consider.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rubén López-Nicolás
- Department Basic Psychology and Methodology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miriam Tortajada
- Department Basic Psychology and Methodology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Julio Sánchez-Meca
- Department Basic Psychology and Methodology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zamarreño P, Mateos PM, Valentín A. Working memory training improves episodic memory in older people: transfer based on controlled retrieval processes. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1314483. [PMID: 38572199 PMCID: PMC10987720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1314483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The results of working memory (WM) training to improve episodic memory in older people are inconsistent. This inconsistency could be due to the fact that the episodic memory tests used do not share the same cognitive resources as the trained WM task. The aim of this study was to assess whether performance on an episodic memory test will improve only when this test requires controlled processes of retrieval of information from secondary memory or recollection, similar to the processes exercised during WM training. Method Fifty-five people over 60 years of age participated in the study: 27 were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and the rest to the control group (CG). The EG was trained in complex span tasks. Before and after training, both groups were tested on episodic memory tests (a verbal and a visuospatial recognition test) and WM span tasks (reading, digit and spatial location). Results ANOVAs revealed a greater improvement of recollection estimates in the EG than in the CG for both verbal recognition (p = 0.023) and visuospatial recognition (p = 0.014). Discussion Our results provide support for a cognitive mechanism whose shared presence favored transfer from training on a WM task to a test of episodic memory. Consistent with our predictions, training on complex span tasks improved performance on recognition tests only when recall required a controlled search process in secondary memory, or recollection. We therefore stress the importance of identifying other cognitive resources that are susceptible to transfer from a training task to other untrained tasks. A better understanding of the phenomenon of transfer is crucial for the design of increasingly effective intervention programs for older people.
Collapse
|
6
|
Giehl K, Theis H, Ophey A, Hammes J, Reker P, Eggers C, Fink GR, Kalbe E, van Eimeren T. Working Memory Training Responsiveness in Parkinson's Disease Is Not Determined by Cortical Thickness or White Matter Lesions. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:347-351. [PMID: 38277302 PMCID: PMC10977422 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson's disease are highly vulnerable for cognitive decline. Thus, early intervention by means of working memory training (WMT) may be effective for the preservation of cognition. However, the influence of structural brain properties, i.e., cortical thickness and volume of white matter lesions on training responsiveness have not been studied. Here, behavioral and neuroimaging data of 46 patients with Parkinson's disease, 21 of whom engaged in home-based, computerized adaptive WMT, was analyzed. While cortical thickness and white matter lesions volume were associated with cognitive performance at baseline, these structural brain properties do not seem to determine WMT responsiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Giehl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Cologne, Germany
- Research Center Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | - Hendrik Theis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Hammes
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Cologne, Germany
- Nuklearmedizin, Radiologische Allianz, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Reker
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carsten Eggers
- Department of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bottrop, Bottrop, Germany
| | - Gereon R. Fink
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Research Center Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yan S, Shen S, Lu Q, Zhong S, Lv S, Lai S, Luo Y, Ran H, Duan M, Song K, Ye K, Jia Y. Virtual reality working memory training improves cognitive performance of acute and remitted patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 344:267-276. [PMID: 37838265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive training is effective in treating neuropsychological impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to provide such training. However, studies using VR-based working memory (WM) training in treating depressed patients' cognitive impairment are extremely scarce and how it affects cognitive performance remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the efficacy of VR-WM training in acute and remitted depressed patients and try to investigate its potential mechanisms. METHODS Forty-two patients with MDD (22 acute patients and 20 remitted patients) received 20-session VR-WM training, while 22 healthy controls (HC) received no intervention. WM and other cognitive domains' performance were assessed by the Massachusetts General Hospital Cognitive and Physical Functioning Questionnaire (CPFQ) and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) before and after the intervention. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (24-HDRS) at the same time points. RESULTS Acute and remitted MDD patients both exhibited significant improvements from pre- to post-training in WM, processing speed, visual learning, reasoning and problem-solving, and total cognition (all p < 0.05). Significant groups-by-time interactions were observed for the 24-HDRS score (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis showed that 24-HDRS score partially mediated the association between the effect of VR-WM training on WM and total cognition performance in total depressive samples. CONCLUSIONS VR-WM training effectively improved WM and other cognitive domains' performance in both acute and remitted MDD patients. Besides, VR-WM training improves WM and total cognition performance in MDD patients partially via the enhancement of depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shiyi Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China; School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Qianyi Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou 510521, China
| | - Shuming Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Sihui Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shunkai Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yange Luo
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Clinical Psychology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Hanglin Ran
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China; School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Manying Duan
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Kailin Song
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Kaiwei Ye
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yanbin Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Teixeira-Santos AC, Gomes L, Pereira DR, Ribeiro F, Silva-Fernandes A, Federspiel C, Steinmetz JP, Leist AK. The MEDITAGING study: protocol of a two-armed randomized controlled study to compare the effects of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program against a health promotion program in older migrants in Luxembourg. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2470. [PMID: 38082350 PMCID: PMC10714656 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration is a phenomenon worldwide, with older migrants, particularly those with fewer socioeconomic resources, having an increased risk of developing adverse cognitive and health outcomes and social isolation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to validate interventions that promote healthy aging in this population. Previous studies have shown a positive impact of mindfulness based-stress reduction (MBSR) on outcomes such as cognition and sleep. However, only a few studies verified its potential in older adults, especially with vulnerable populations such as migrants. This article presents the protocol of the MEDITAGING study, which is the first to investigate the MBSR effects in migrants aged ≥55 in comparison to a health promotion program. METHODS MEDITAGING is a two-arm randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, which will include older Portuguese-speaking migrants (n = 90). Participants are randomized to the MBSR or a health promotion program. Both interventions are conducted in groups over a total of 8 weeks, incorporating weekly meetings, an additional 4-hour class, and extra at-home tasks. The health promotion program has the same structure as the MBSR but comprises different activities related to dementia prevention, healthy habits, cognitive stimulation, sleeping, nutrition, watercolor painting, and physical activity. The assessment of executive functioning, physiological stress measures, self-reported questionnaires, and qualitative interviews are conducted at baseline, after 8 weeks (post-intervention), and at a follow-up session (from one to 3 months thereafter). Analyzes will be conducted using a modified intention-to-treat approach (all participants with at least 3 days of participation in the group-sessions and one post-intervention observation). DISCUSSION This study will test effects of a mindfulness-based intervention against an active control condition in older adult migrants, which few studies have addressed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05615337 (date of registration: 27 September 2022; date of record verification: 14 November 2022).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Teixeira-Santos
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Inequality, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Leandro Gomes
- Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Human Sciences, State University of Amazonas PPGICH/UEA, Manaus, Brazil
- NAURBE Group - Cities, Popular Cultures and Heritage, Federal University of Amazonas - Postgraduate Program in Social Anthropology, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Diana R Pereira
- Human Cognition Laboratory - CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Inequality, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anabela Silva-Fernandes
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | | | - Anja K Leist
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Inequality, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hou L, Long F, Zhou W, Zhou R. Working memory training for reward processing in university students with subsyndromal depression: The influence of baseline severity of depression. Biol Psychol 2023; 184:108710. [PMID: 37820850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have tentatively suggested that working memory training (WMT) has the potential to improve reward processing, but it is not known how long this improvement lasts, whether there is a lag effect, or whether it is reflected in neurophysiological indicators. In this study, 40 university students with subsyndromal depression were randomly assigned to a training group or a control group and completed a 20-day working memory training task and a simple memory task, respectively. All participants completed the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) and a doors task with electroencephalogram (EEG) signals recorded simultaneously on a pre- and post-test and a 3-month follow-up. The reward-related positivity (RewP) amplitude, theta power, and their differences between conditions (i.e., ΔRewP and Δtheta power, respectively) in the doors task were the primary outcomes, and the score on TEPS was the secondary outcome. The results indicated no group-related effects were demonstrated in primary and secondary outcomes at post-test and 3-month follow-up. Furthermore, the differences in the pre- and post-test in Δtheta power were moderated by the baseline severity of depression. This was primarily driven by the fact that the change values in the control group increased with the severity of depression, while the change values in the training group had high homogeneity. Our findings did not provide support for the effect of WMT on reward processing across the whole sample, but without intervention, there would be high heterogeneity in the change in the cognitive control ability to loss feedback, which is detrimental to individuals with high depression severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Hou
- School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Fangfang Long
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiyi Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence Production Technology and Systems, Beijing 100803, China; Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Studer-Luethi B, Boesch V, Lusti S, Meier B. Fostering cognitive performance in older adults with a process- and a strategy-based cognitive training. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2023; 30:837-859. [PMID: 35912438 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2022.2105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of process-based and strategy-based cognitive training to boost performance in healthy older adults. Three groups trained with either a dichotic listening training (process-based training, n = 25), an implementation intention strategy training (strategy-based training, n = 23), or served as a non-contact control group (n = 30). Our results demonstrated that training participants improved their performance in the trained tasks (process-based training: d = 3.01, strategy-based training: d = 2.6). For untrained tasks, the process-based training group showed significant working memory (d = .58) as well as episodic memory task improvement (d = 1.19) compared to the strategy-based training and to the non-contact control group (all d < .03). In contrast, in the strategy-based training group there was a tendency towards some performance gain in a fluid intelligence test (d = .92). These results indicate that cognitive training can be tailored to improve specific cognitive abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valérie Boesch
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat Meier
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jaeggi SM, Weaver AN, Carbone E, Trane FE, Smith-Peirce RN, Buschkuehl M, Flueckiger C, Carlson M, Jonides J, Borella E. EngAge - A metacognitive intervention to supplement working memory training: A feasibility study in older adults. AGING BRAIN 2023; 4:100083. [PMID: 38098966 PMCID: PMC10719574 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2023.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Working Memory (WM) training has shown promise in supporting cognitive functioning in older adult populations, but effects that generalize beyond the trained task have been inconsistent. Targeting cognitive processes in isolation might be a limiting factor given that metacognitive and motivational factors have been shown to impact older adults' engagement with challenging cognitive activities, such as WM training. The current feasibility study implemented a novel metacognitive intervention in conjunction with WM training in older adults and examined its potential amplifying short- and long-term effects on cognitive and self-report outcomes as compared to WM or active control training alone. One-hundred and nineteen older adults completed a cognitive training over the course of 20 sessions at home. The cognitive training targeted either WM or general knowledge. In addition, one of the WM training groups completed a metacognitive program via group seminars. We tested for group differences in WM, inhibitory control, and episodic memory, and we assessed participants' perceived self-efficacy and everyday memory failures. At post-test, we replicated earlier work by demonstrating that participants who completed the WM intervention outperformed the active control group in non-trained WM measures, and to some extent, in inhibitory control. However, we found no evidence that the supplemental metacognitive program led to benefits over and above the WM intervention. Nonetheless, we conclude that our metacognitive program is a step in the right direction given the tentative long-term effects and participants' positive feedback, but more longitudinal data with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these early findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang YF, Bian W, Wei J, Hu S. Anxiety-reducing effects of working memory training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:269-278. [PMID: 36958492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether working memory training will relieve anxiety in participants. METHODS The PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched up to January 25, 2022. We included random controlled trials with low to moderate risk of bias in comparing working memory training with control condition as the only intervention in treating anxiety (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022300404). The language was restricted to English. Data extraction was independently carried out by two authors, following the PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. RESULTS Of the 477 records identified, 19 studies (n = 1051) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the post-training anxiety was reduced with a small but significant value (Hedge's g = -0.392, p = .009) by working memory training. Subgroup analyses confirmed that the moderating effect of anxiety type, anxiety measurement and training environment were significant. LIMITATIONS These results should be considered with caution for the heterogeneity of training paradigms, participant population and types of anxiety assessed between studies. Further research is required to support these results. CONCLUSIONS Working memory training is a promising intervention to relieve anxiety symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Bian
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuang Hu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bonnechère B, Klass M. Cognitive Computerized Training for Older Adults and Patients with Neurological Disorders: Do the Amount and Training Modality Count? An Umbrella Meta-Regression Analysis. Games Health J 2023; 12:100-117. [PMID: 36920851 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2022.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous applications have been created to train cognition and challenge the brain, a process known as computerized cognitive training (CCT). Despite potential positive results, important questions remain unresolved: the appropriate training duration, the efficacy of CCT depending on its type (commercial or developed in-house for the rehabilitation of specific patients) and delivery mode (at-home or on-site), and the patients most likely to benefit such intervention. This study aims to perform an umbrella meta-analysis and meta-regression to determine if the type of CCT, the delivery mode, the amount of training, and participants' age at inclusion influence the improvement of the cognitive function. To do so, we performed a umbrella meta-analysis. One hundred studies were included in this analysis representing 6407 participants. Statistical improvements were found for the different conditions after the training. We do not find statistical difference between the type of intervention or the delivery mode. No dose-response relationship between the total amount of training and the improvement of cognitive functions was found. CCT is effective in improving cognitive function in patients suffering from neurological conditions and in healthy aging. There is therefore an urgent need for health care systems to recognize its therapeutic potential and to evaluate at a larger scale their integration into the clinical pipeline as preventive and rehabilitation tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Technology-Supported and Data-Driven Rehabilitation, Data Sciences Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Malgorzata Klass
- Laboratory of Applied Biology and Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ben Izhak S, Lavidor M. Strategy and Core Cognitive Training Effects on Working Memory Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2023.2172413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shachar Ben Izhak
- Department of Psychology, and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University
| | - Michal Lavidor
- Department of Psychology, and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aksu S, Hasırcı Bayır BR, Sayman C, Soyata AZ, Boz G, Karamürsel S. Working memory ımprovement after transcranial direct current stimulation paired with working memory training ın diabetic peripheral neuropathy. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023:1-14. [PMID: 36630270 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2164717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Association of cognitive deficits and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is frequent. Working memory (WM) deficits result in impairment of daily activities, diminished functionality, and treatment compliance. Mounting evidence suggests that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with concurrent working memory training (WMT) ameliorates cognitive deficits. Emboldening results of tDCS were shown in DPN. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) coupled with cathodal right DLPFC with concurrent WMT in DPN for the first time. The present randomized triple-blind parallel-group sham-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of 5 sessions of tDCS over the DLPFC concurrent with WMT in 28 individuals with painful DPN on cognitive (primary) and pain-related, psychiatric outcome measures before, immediately after, and 1-month after treatment protocol. tDCS enhanced the efficacy of WMT on working memory and yielded lower anxiety levels than sham tDCS but efficacy was not superior to sham on other cognitive domains, pain severity, quality of life, and depression. tDCS with concurrent WMT enhanced WM and ameliorated anxiety in DPN without affecting other cognitive and pain-related outcomes. Further research scrutinizing the short/long-term efficacy with larger samples is accredited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Aksu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Türkiye
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Buse Rahime Hasırcı Bayır
- Department of Neurology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ceyhun Sayman
- Translational Neurodevelopmental Neuroscience Phd Programme, Institute of Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Zihni Soyata
- Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, Başakşehir State Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökalp Boz
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sacit Karamürsel
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Considerable research has been carried out in the last two decades on the putative benefits of cognitive training on cognitive function and academic achievement. Recent meta-analyses summarizing the extent empirical evidence have resolved the apparent lack of consensus in the field and led to a crystal-clear conclusion: The overall effect of far transfer is null, and there is little to no true variability between the types of cognitive training. Despite these conclusions, the field has maintained an unrealistic optimism about the cognitive and academic benefits of cognitive training, as exemplified by a recent article (Green et al., 2019). We demonstrate that this optimism is due to the field neglecting the results of meta-analyses and largely ignoring the statistical explanation that apparent effects are due to a combination of sampling errors and other artifacts. We discuss recommendations for improving cognitive-training research, focusing on making results publicly available, using computer modeling, and understanding participants' knowledge and strategies. Given that the available empirical evidence on cognitive training and other fields of research suggests that the likelihood of finding reliable and robust far-transfer effects is low, research efforts should be redirected to near transfer or other methods for improving cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Gobet
- Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science,Fernand Gobet, Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science
| | - Giovanni Sala
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan,Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ro D, Lee J, Lee G, Shin S, Kim YH. Effect of interactive multitouch game-based cognitive intervention on cognitive function in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176648. [PMID: 37256004 PMCID: PMC10226180 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effects of an interactive multitouch game-based cognitive intervention (ICI) on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Thirty-two older adults (19 women) between 65 and 84 years of age (mean age, 74.47 ± 4.30 years) without a history of neurological disease participated. They were randomized into two groups: intervention and control. The intervention group took part in ICI sessions using HAPPYTABLE® (Spring Soft Co. Ltd, Seoul, Korea) (ICI group), and the control group underwent a traditional paper-and-pencil-based cognitive intervention (TCI group). Both groups completed 10 intervention sessions over four consecutive weeks. Cognitive function was assessed before (pre-intervention) and after (post-intervention) intervention. Executive function was evaluated through the Color-Word Stroop Test (CWST) and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). Memory was assessed through the Verbal Learning Test (VLT) and Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT). Results The ICI and TCI groups showed significant improvements in some cognitive functions after the intervention. Both groups showed substantial improvements in VLT and RCFT (P < 0.05), reflecting memory function. Regarding the executive role, the ICI group showed significant post-intervention improvements in the conditions of the CWST incongruent (ICI 76.31 ± 23.82; P = 0.004) compared to the pre-intervention scores. ANCOVA with pre-intervention scores and gender as covariates revealed improved results in the ICI group compared with the VLT delayed (ICI 9.18 ± 1.68, TCI 7.56 ± 2.13; P = 0.015) and VLT recognition task (ICI 22.81 ± 1.22, TCI 21.38 ± 1.09; P = 0.035). Conclusions These findings revealed that both ICI and TCI helped increase cognitive performance in community-dwelling older persons; nevertheless, ICI showed better improvement in memory function than TCI. Thus, the ICI can be used to improve cognitive performance among older adults living in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daeun Ro
- Department of Medical Device Management
& Research, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical and
Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Medical IT Convergence
Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of
Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Gihyoun Lee
- Department of Physical and
Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and
Technology, SAIHST, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoung Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of
Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Kim
- Department of Medical Device Management
& Research, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical and
Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and
Technology, SAIHST, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation, Haeundae
Sharing and Happiness Hospital, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ripp I, Emch M, Wu Q, Lizarraga A, Udale R, von Bastian CC, Koch K, Yakushev I. Adaptive working memory training does not produce transfer effects in cognition and neuroimaging. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:512. [PMID: 36513642 PMCID: PMC9747798 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing interest in cognitive interventions from academia and industry, it remains unclear if working memory (WM) training, one of the most popular cognitive interventions, produces transfer effects. Transfer effects are training-induced gains in performance in untrained cognitive tasks, while practice effects are improvements in trained task. The goal of this study was to evaluate potential transfer effects by comprehensive cognitive testing and neuroimaging. In this prospective, randomized-controlled, and single-blind study, we administered an 8-week n-back training to 55 healthy middle-aged (50-64 years) participants. State-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging was used to examine potential anatomic and functional changes. Relative to control subjects, who performed non-adaptive WM training, no near or far transfer effects were detected in experimental subjects, who performed adaptive WM training. Equivalently, no training-related changes were observed in white matter integrity, amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, glucose metabolism, functional and metabolic connectivity. Exploratory within-group comparisons revealed some gains in transfer tasks, which, however, cannot be attributed to an increased WM capacity. In conclusion, WM training produces transfer effects neither at the cognitive level nor in terms of neural structure or function. These results speak against a common view that training-related gains reflect an increase in underlying WM capacity. Instead, the presently observed practice effects may be a result of optimized task processing strategies, which do not necessarily engage neural plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Ripp
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mónica Emch
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Qiong Wu
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Aldana Lizarraga
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Udale
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Kathrin Koch
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lima-Silva TB, Ordonez TN, Santos GD, Moreira APB, Verga CER, Ishibashi GA, Silva GAD, Prata PL, Moraes LCD, Brucki SMD. Effects of working memory training on cognition in healthy older adults: A systematic review. Dement Neuropsychol 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2021-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT. The working memory (WM) training in older adults can benefit their cognition. However, there is a dearth of literature reviews on the subject. Objective: This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of WM training on the cognition of healthy older adults, in individual and group interventions reported in the literature. Methods: This is a systematic review involving a qualitative analysis of publications on the SciELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases carried out between March and June 2021. Results: A total of 47 studies were identified and analyzed, comprising 40 in older adults only and 7 comparing older and younger adults, investigating individual or group WM training or other types of intervention focused on WM effects. Conclusions: Both individual and group intervention contributed to the maintenance and/or improvement of cognition in older adults exploiting brain plasticity to promote mental health and prevent cognitive problems that can negatively impact quality of life of this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Bento Lima-Silva
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leite J, Gonçalves ÓF, Carvalho S. Speed of Processing (SoP) Training Plus α-tACS in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double Blind, Parallel, Placebo Controlled Trial Study Protocol. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:880510. [PMID: 35928993 PMCID: PMC9344129 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.880510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several cognitive training programs, alone or in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation have been tested in order to ameliorate age-related cognitive impairments, such as the ones found in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, the effects of Cognitive Training (CT)—combined or not—with several forms of non-invasive brain stimulation have been modest at most. We aim to assess if Speed of Processing (SoP) training combined with alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation (α-tACS) is able to increase speed of processing as assessed by the Useful Field of View (UFOV), when comparing to SoP training or active α-tACS alone. Moreover, we want to assess if those changes in speed of processing transfer to other cognitive domains, such as memory, language and executive functioning by using the NIH EXAMINER. We also want to test the mechanisms underlying these interventions, namely brain connectivity and coherence as assessed by electroencephalography (EEG). To that purpose, our proposal is to enroll 327 elders diagnosed with MCI in a double-blinded, parallel randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of combining SoP with alpha endogenous tACS (either active or sham) in people with MCI. Participants will perform an intervention that will last for 15 sessions. For the first 3 weeks, participants will receive nine sessions of the intervention, and then will receive two sessions per week (i.e., booster) for the following 3 weeks. They will then be assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention has ended. This will allow us to detect the immediate, and long-term effects of the interventions, as well as to probe the mechanisms underlying its effects.Clinical Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05198726.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Leite
- Portucalense Institute for Human Development—INPP, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal
- Portuguese Network for the Psychological Neuroscience, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Jorge Leite
| | - Óscar F. Gonçalves
- Portuguese Network for the Psychological Neuroscience, Portugal
- Proaction Laboratory, CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Portuguese Network for the Psychological Neuroscience, Portugal
- Department of Education and Psychology and William James Center for Research, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- The Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ziegler DA, Anguera JA, Gallen CL, Hsu WY, Wais PE, Gazzaley A. Leveraging technology to personalize cognitive enhancement methods in aging. NATURE AGING 2022; 2:475-483. [PMID: 35873177 PMCID: PMC9302894 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
As population aging advances at an increasing rate, efforts to help people maintain or improve cognitive function late in life are critical. Although some studies have shown promise, the question of whether cognitive training is an effective tool for improving general cognitive ability remains incompletely explored, and study results to date have been inconsistent. Most approaches to cognitive enhancement in older adults have taken a 'one size fits all' tack, as opposed to tailoring interventions to the specific needs of individuals. In this Perspective, we argue that modern technology has the potential to enable large-scale trials of public health interventions to enhance cognition in older adults in a personalized manner. Technology-based cognitive interventions that rely on closed-loop systems can be tailored to individuals in real time and have the potential for global testing, extending their reach to large and diverse populations of older adults. We propose that the future of cognitive enhancement in older adults will rely on harnessing new technologies in scientifically informed ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Ziegler
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
| | - Joaquin A. Anguera
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Courtney L. Gallen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wan-Yu Hsu
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter E. Wais
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Duff K, Ying J, Suhrie KR, Dalley BCA, Atkinson TJ, Porter SM, Dixon AM, Hammers DB, Wolinsky FD. Computerized Cognitive Training in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:400-409. [PMID: 33783254 DOI: 10.1177/08919887211006472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Computerized cognitive training has been successful in healthy older adults, but its efficacy has been mixed in patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). METHODS In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel clinical trial, we examined the short- and long-term efficacy of a brain-plasticity computerized cognitive training in 113 participants with amnestic MCI. RESULTS Immediately after 40-hours of training, participants in the active control group who played computer games performed better than those in the experimental group on the primary cognitive outcome (p = 0.02), which was an auditory memory/attention composite score. There were no group differences on 2 secondary outcomes (global cognitive composite and rating of daily functioning). After 1 year, there was no difference between the 2 groups on primary or secondary outcomes. No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS Although the experimental cognitive training program did not improve outcomes in those with MCI, the short-term effects of the control group should not be dismissed, which may alter treatment recommendations for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Duff
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Jian Ying
- Department of Internal Medicine, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Kayla R Suhrie
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Bonnie C A Dalley
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Taylor J Atkinson
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA.,School of Aging Studies, 7831University of South Florida, FL, USA
| | - Sariah M Porter
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Ava M Dixon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Dustin B Hammers
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, 14434University of Utah, UT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Teixeira-Santos AC, Moreira CS, Pereira DR, Pinal D, Fregni F, Leite J, Carvalho S, Sampaio A. Working Memory Training Coupled With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Experiment. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:827188. [PMID: 35493937 PMCID: PMC9039392 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.827188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been employed to boost working memory training (WMT) effects. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of this combination in older adults. The present study is aimed to assess the delayed transfer effects of tDCS coupled with WMT in older adults in a 15-day follow-up. We explored if general cognitive ability, age, and educational level predicted the effects. Methods In this single-center, double-blind randomized sham-controlled experiment, 54 older adults were randomized into three groups: anodal-tDCS (atDCS)+WMT, sham-tDCS (stDCS)+WMT, and double-sham. Five sessions of tDCS (2 mA) were applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Far transfer was measured by Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), while the near transfer effects were assessed through Digit Span. A frequentist linear mixed model (LMM) was complemented by a Bayesian approach in data analysis. Results Working memory training improved dual n-back performance in both groups submitted to this intervention but only the group that received atDCS+WMT displayed a significant improvement from pretest to follow-up in transfer measures of reasoning (RAPM) and short-term memory (forward Digit Span). Near transfer improvements predicted gains in far transfer, demonstrating that the far transfer is due to an improvement in the trained construct of working memory. Age, formal education, and vocabulary score seem to predict the gains in reasoning. However, Bayesian results do not provide substantial evidence to support this claim. Conclusion This study will help to consolidate the incipient but auspicious field of cognitive training coupled with tDCS in healthy older adults. Our findings demonstrated that atDCS may potentialize WMT by promoting transfer effects in short-term memory and reasoning in older adults, which are observed especially at follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Teixeira-Santos
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Inequality, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: Ana C. Teixeira-Santos,
| | - Célia S. Moreira
- Department of Mathematics, Centre for Mathematics of the University of Porto, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana R. Pereira
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Diego Pinal
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Spaulding Neuromodulation Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge Leite
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Spaulding Neuromodulation Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Portucalense Institute for Human Development, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Translational Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Education and Psychology and William James Center for Research (WJCR), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Adriana Sampaio
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Adriana Sampaio,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhou J, Xuan B. Inhibitory control training and transcranial direct current stimulation of the pre-supplementary motor area: behavioral gains and transfer effects. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:909-925. [PMID: 35083548 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory control is a critical part of executive function and an important cognitive process in daily life. It is currently unclear how to optimally improve inhibitory control ability through behavior training and other interventions. Here, we explored the factors that influence inhibition control training in two experiments, focusing on the gains and transfer effects of training. Experiments 1 and 2 investigated the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the pre-supplementary motor area and an increase in training duration on the training effect for inhibitory control, respectively, as well as the transfer effects when participants completed the Stroop and directed forgetting tasks. The results showed a stable training effect in relation to inhibitory control and a transfer effect for the Stroop task. Anodal tDCS in the pre-supplementary motor area could effectively improve inhibitory control ability, but not further enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. Moreover, increasing the training duration did not enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. The addition of tDCS and the extension of training duration failed to enhance the training effect, indicating that there may be a limitation of improvement in inhibitory control. The findings provide evidence regarding the further intervention effects of behavioral training and tDCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, No. 1 Beijing East Road, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Bin Xuan
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, No. 1 Beijing East Road, Wuhu, 241000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ophey A, Wenzel J, Paul R, Giehl K, Rehberg S, Eggers C, Reker P, van Eimeren T, Kalbe E, Kambeitz-Ilankovic L. Cognitive Performance and Learning Parameters Predict Response to Working Memory Training in Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2235-2247. [PMID: 36120792 PMCID: PMC9661332 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working memory (WM) training (WMT) is a popular intervention approach against cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, heterogeneity in WM responsiveness suggests that WMT may not be equally efficient for all patients. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to evaluate a multivariate model to predict post-intervention verbal WM in patients with PD using a supervised machine learning approach. We test the predictive potential of novel learning parameters derived from the WMT and compare their predictiveness to other more commonly used domains including demographic, clinical, and cognitive data. METHODS 37 patients with PD (age: 64.09±8.56, 48.6% female, 94.7% Hoehn & Yahr stage 2) participated in a 5-week WMT. Four random forest regression models including 1) cognitive variables only, 2) learning parameters only, 3) both cognitive and learning variables, and 4) the entire set of variables (with additional demographic and clinical data, 'all' model), were built to predict immediate and 3-month-follow-up WM. RESULT The 'all' model predicted verbal WM with the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) compared to the other models, at both immediate (RMSE = 0.184; 95% -CI=[0.184;0.185]) and 3-month follow-up (RMSE = 0.216; 95% -CI=[0.215;0.217]). Cognitive baseline parameters were among the most important predictors in the 'all' model. The model combining cognitive and learning parameters significantly outperformed the model solely based on cognitive variables. CONCLUSION Commonly assessed demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables provide robust prediction of response to WMT. Nonetheless, inclusion of training-inherent learning parameters further boosts precision of prediction models which in turn may augment training benefits following cognitive interventions in patients with PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ophey
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Cologne, Germany
| | - Julian Wenzel
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
| | - Riya Paul
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Giehl
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Research Centre Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | - Sarah Rehberg
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Cologne, Germany
| | - Carsten Eggers
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Universities of Marburg and Gießen, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bottrop, Bottrop, Germany
| | - Paul Reker
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Cologne, Germany
| | - Lana Kambeitz-Ilankovic
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Personalized by the Preexisting Cognitive Level in Older Adults. TOPICS IN GERIATRIC REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/tgr.0000000000000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
27
|
Navarra-Ventura G, Gomà G, de Haro C, Jodar M, Sarlabous L, Hernando D, Bailón R, Ochagavía A, Blanch L, López-Aguilar J, Fernández-Gonzalo S. Virtual Reality-Based Early Neurocognitive Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121260. [PMID: 34945732 PMCID: PMC8703623 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the application of a non-immersive virtual reality (VR)-based neurocognitive intervention in critically ill patients. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of direct outcome measures to detect the impact of this digital therapy on patients’ cognitive and emotional outcomes. Seventy-two mechanically ventilated adult patients were randomly assigned to the “treatment as usual” (TAU, n = 38) or the “early neurocognitive stimulation” (ENRIC, n = 34) groups. All patients received standard intensive care unit (ICU) care. Patients in the ENRIC group also received adjuvant neurocognitive stimulation during the ICU stay. Outcome measures were a full neuropsychological battery and two mental health questionnaires. A total of 42 patients (21 ENRIC) completed assessment one month after ICU discharge, and 24 (10 ENRIC) one year later. At one-month follow-up, ENRIC patients had better working memory scores (p = 0.009, d = 0.363) and showed up to 50% less non-specific anxiety (11.8% vs. 21.1%) and depression (5.9% vs. 10.5%) than TAU patients. A general linear model of repeated measures reported a main effect of group, but not of time or group–time interaction, on working memory, with ENRIC patients outperforming TAU patients (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.282). Our results suggest that non-immersive VR-based neurocognitive stimulation may help improve short-term working memory outcomes in survivors of critical illness. Moreover, this advantage could be maintained in the long term. An efficacy trial in a larger sample of participants is feasible and must be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Navarra-Ventura
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-937-23-66-73
| | - Gemma Gomà
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Candelaria de Haro
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Jodar
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Leonardo Sarlabous
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Hernando
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.H.); (R.B.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Bailón
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.H.); (R.B.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Ochagavía
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluís Blanch
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josefina López-Aguilar
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sol Fernández-Gonzalo
- Critical Care Center, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (G.G.); (C.d.H.); (L.S.); (A.O.); (L.B.); (J.L.-A.); (S.F.-G.)
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Spironelli C, Borella E. Working Memory Training and Cortical Arousal in Healthy Older Adults: A Resting-State EEG Pilot Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:718965. [PMID: 34744685 PMCID: PMC8568069 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.718965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current pilot study aimed to test the gains of working memory (WM) training, both at the short- and long-term, at a behavioral level, and by examining the electrophysiological changes induced by training in resting-state EEG activity among older adults. The study group included 24 older adults (from 64 to 75 years old) who were randomly assigned to a training group (TG) or an active control group (ACG) in a double-blind, repeated-measures experimental design in which open eyes, resting-state EEG recording, followed by a WM task, i.e., the Categorization Working Memory Span (CWMS) task, were collected before and after training, as well as at a 6-month follow-up session. At the behavioral level, medium to large Cohen's d effect sizes was found for the TG in immediate and long-term gains in the WM criterion task, as compared with small gains for the ACG. Regarding intrusion errors committed in the CWMS, an index of inhibitory control representing a transfer effect, results showed that medium to large effect sizes for immediate and long-term gains emerged for the TG, as compared to small effect sizes for the ACG. Spontaneous high-beta/alpha ratio analyses in four regions of interest (ROIs) revealed no pre-training group differences. Significantly greater TG anterior rates, particularly in the left ROI, were found after training, with frontal oscillatory responses being correlated with better post-training CWMS performance in only the TG. The follow-up analysis showed similar results, with greater anterior left high-beta/alpha rates among TG participants. Follow-up frontal high-beta/alpha rates in the right ROI were correlated with lower CWMS follow-up intrusion errors in only the TG. The present findings are further evidence of the efficacy of WM training in enhancing the cognitive functioning of older adults and their frontal oscillatory activity. Overall, these results suggested that WM training also can be a promising approach toward fostering the so-called functional cortical plasticity in aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Spironelli
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhidong C, Wang X, Yin J, Song D, Chen Z. Effects of physical exercise on working memory in older adults: a systematic and meta-analytic review. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2021; 18:18. [PMID: 34535084 PMCID: PMC8447686 DOI: 10.1186/s11556-021-00272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This systematic and meta-analytic review aimed to investigate the effects of physical exercise on the working memory of older adults, and to identify the moderators of these effects. Methods We searched six electronic databases for randomized controlled trials on the effects of physical exercise on working memory that were published before or on May 15, 2020. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Stata 14.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and publication bias testing. Results A total of 28 studies and 2156 participants were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was fair to excellent, and there was no publication bias. Overall, we found that physical exercise had a significant effect on working memory in older adults (standardized mean difference = 0.30, p < 0.0001). The effects of physical exercise on working memory were moderated by exercise frequency, intensity, type, duration, cognitive status, and control subgroup (active/passive), but not by intervention period or age of participant. Conclusion Physical exercise can effectively improve the working memory of older adults. The recommended physical exercise is multi-component exercise or mind–body exercise of moderate intensity for 45–60 min 3 times a week, for more than 6 months. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11556-021-00272-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cai Zhidong
- Shanghai University of Sport, School of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Shanghai University of Sport, School of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jilin Yin
- Physical Education Department, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, 535011, China
| | - Dehai Song
- Institute of P. E Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhitong Chen
- School of Physical Education and Health, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, 2800 Wenxiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zuber P, Geiter E, de Quervain DJF, Magon S. Investigation of a Model-Based Working Memory Training With and Without Distractor Inhibition and Its Comparative Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Healthy Old Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:682474. [PMID: 34211390 PMCID: PMC8239181 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.682474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Various working memory (WM) trainings have been tested, but differences in experimental designs, the lack of theoretical background, and the need of identifying task-related processes such as filtering efficiency limit conclusions about their comparative efficacy. Objectives: In this study, we compared the efficacy of a model-based WM training with (MB+) and without (MB) distractor inhibition on improving WM capacity to a dual n-back and active control condition. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 123 healthy elderly adults (78 women, 45 men; aged 64.1 ± 8.3 years). All groups underwent 12 40-min training sessions over 3 weeks and four cognitive testing sessions. The first two sessions served as double baseline to account for practice effects. Primary outcome was WM capacity post-training measured by complex span tasks. Near and far transfer was assessed by simple span, n-back, visuospatial and verbal learning, processing speed, and reasoning tasks. Results: Due to preliminary termination (COVID-19), 93 subjects completed the post-training and 60 subjects the follow-up session. On a whole group level, practice effects occurred from prebaseline to baseline in WM capacity (b = 4.85, t (103) = 4.01, p < 0.001, r = 0.37). Linear mixed-effects models revealed a difference in WM capacity post-training between MB+ and MB (b = -9.62, t (82) = -2.52, p = 0.014, r = 0.27) and a trend difference between MB+ and dual n-back (b = -7.59, t (82) = -1.87, p = 0.065, r = 0.20) and control training (b = -7.08, t (82) = -1.86, p = 0.067, r = 0.20). Univariate analyses showed an increase between pre- and post-training for WM capacity within MB+ (t (22) = -3.34, p < 0.05) only. There was no difference between groups pre- and post-training regarding near and far transfer. Univariate analyses showed improved visuospatial learning within MB+ (t (21) = -3.8, p < 0.05), improved processing speed (t (23) = 2.19, p< 0.05) and n-back performance (t (23) = 2.12, p < 0.05) in MB, and improved n-back performance (t (25) = 3.83, p < 0.001) in the dual n-back training. Interpretation: A model-based WM training including filtering efficacy may be a promising approach to increase WM capacity and needs further investigation in randomized controlled studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priska Zuber
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Geiter
- Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominique J.-F. de Quervain
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Magon
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Olofsson JK, Ekström I, Lindström J, Syrjänen E, Stigsdotter-Neely A, Nyberg L, Jonsson S, Larsson M. Smell-Based Memory Training: Evidence of Olfactory Learning and Transfer to the Visual Domain. Chem Senses 2021; 45:593-600. [PMID: 32645143 PMCID: PMC7545250 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human and non-human animal research converge to suggest that the sense of smell, olfaction, has a high level of plasticity and is intimately associated with visual-spatial orientation and memory encoding networks. We investigated whether olfactory memory (OM) training would lead to transfer to an untrained visual memory (VM) task, as well as untrained olfactory tasks. We devised a memory intervention to compare transfer effects generated by olfactory and non-olfactory (visual) memory training. Adult participants were randomly assigned to daily memory training for about 40 days with either olfactory or visual tasks that had a similar difficulty level. Results showed that while visual training did not produce transfer to the OM task, olfactory training produced transfer to the untrained VM task. Olfactory training also improved participants' performance on odor discrimination and naming tasks, such that they reached the same performance level as a high-performing group of wine professionals. Our results indicate that the olfactory system is highly responsive to training, and we speculate that the sense of smell may facilitate transfer of learning to other sensory domains. Further research is however needed in order to replicate and extend our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas K Olofsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Swedish Collegium of Advanced Study, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ekström
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna Lindström
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elmeri Syrjänen
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Nyberg
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sara Jonsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bednarek H, Przedniczek M, Olszewska JM, Niewiarowski J, Orzechowski J. The near- and far-transfer effects of cognitive training on attentional networks in women and men. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2021.1916508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Bednarek
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Przedniczek
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jakub Niewiarowski
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Orzechowski
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ye M, Wang L, Xiong J, Zheng G. The effect of mind-body exercise on memory in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:1163-1173. [PMID: 32329024 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current systematic review aims to examine the effect of mind-body exercise on different memory types in the elderly population. METHODS Four literature databases (Pubmed, Cochrane library, Embase and Sinomed) were searched from inception to March 19, 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of mind-body exercise on memory in older adults were included. The assessment of risk of bias for the included studies and data synthesis were conducted using the software of review manager 5.3 based on the Cochrane handbook. RESULTS Twelve eligible RCTs with a total 1051 participants were identified that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Meta-analysis in elderly adults without known neurological diseases showed mind-body exercise intervention had a large effect on general memory (SMD = 1.24, p = 0.005), a moderate effect on short-term memory (SMD = 0.51, p = 0.02) and long-term memory (SMD = 0.78, p < 0.001), a small effect on working memory (SMD = 0.28, p = 0.009), and a moderate effect on episodic memory (SMD = 0.74, p < 0.001) and semantic memory (SMD = 0.59, p = 0.003) compared to no specific exercise intervention. Similar results were also found in elderly adults with known neurological diseases, showing a moderate effect on general memory (SMD = 0.56, p < 0.001), short-term memory (SMD = 0.68, p = 0.01), and long-term memory (SMD = 0.80, p = 0.003); a small effect on working memory (SMD = 0.46, p < 0.001); and a large effect on episodic memory (SMD = 0.91, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Compared with no specific exercise, mind-body exercise enhances memory in older adults. However, larger, more robust trials with longer follow-up periods and standardized neuropsychological outcome measures are needed before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Ye
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lecong Wang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Xiong
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guohua Zheng
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- College of Nursing and Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cognitive Differences in the Older Adults Living in the General Community: Gender and Mental Occupational State Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063106. [PMID: 33802961 PMCID: PMC8002664 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to cognitive impairment with age, and gender differences are remarkable. However, there is very little evidence to identify both baseline cognitive and occupational gender differences prior to older adults' retirement to design more efficient personalized cognitive interventions. This descriptive observational study examined gender differences in initial cognitive performance in 367 older adults with subjective memory complaints from a primary healthcare center in Zaragoza (Spain). To evaluate initial cognitive performance, the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC-35) and the set test were used to measure verbal fluency. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated, and cognitive and occupational differences were analyzed per gender. Men had higher educational and occupational levels, were older and more of them were married (p < 0.001) than women. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes and cerebrovascular accidents were more frequent in women, while hypercholesterolemia and obesity were more frequent in men (p < 0.001). High blood pressure was more frequent in women, but not significantly so (p = 0.639). Global cognition was higher in men (p < 0.001) for attention, calculation, and language (p < 0.001). Verbal fluency was higher in women, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.105). These results could be generalized to other health centers in the province and other Spanish autonomous communities as their sociodemographic variables are similar. Individualized interventions that adapt to gender, cognitive and initial occupational performance should be developed and adapted to elderly populations living in the general community to maintain their cognitive capacity and prevent their cognitive impairment and the social health costs this would imply.
Collapse
|
35
|
Hou J, Jiang T, Fu J, Su B, Wu H, Sun R, Zhang T. The Long-Term Efficacy of Working Memory Training in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 22 Randomized Controlled Trials. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 75:e174-e188. [PMID: 32507890 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The long-lasting efficacy of working memory (WM) training has been a controversial and still ardently debated issue. In this meta-analysis, the authors explored the long-term effects of WM training in healthy older adults on WM subdomains and abilities outside the WM domain assessed in randomized controlled studies. METHOD A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar was conducted. Random-effects models were used to quantitatively synthesize the existing data. RESULTS Twenty-two eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean participant age ranged from 63.77 to 80.1 years. The meta-synthesized long-term effects on updating were 0.45 (95% confidence interval = 0.253-0.648, <6 months: 0.395, 0.171-0.619, ≥6 months: 0.641, 0.223-1.058), on shifting, 0.447 (0.246-0.648, <6 months: 0.448, 0.146-0.75, ≥6 months: 0.446, 0.176-0.716); on inhibition, 0.387 (0.228-0.547, <6 months: 0.248, 0.013-0.484, ≥6 months: 0.504, 0.288-0.712); on maintenance, 0.486 (0.352-0.62, <6 months: 0.52, 0.279-0.761, ≥6 months: 0.471, 0.31-0.63). DISCUSSION The results showed that WM training exerted robust long-term effects on enhancing the WM system and improving processing speed and reasoning in late adulthood. Future studies are needed to use different tasks of the same WM construct to evaluate the WM training benefits, to adopt more ecological tasks or tasks related to daily life, to improve the external validity of WM training, and to identify the optimal implementation strategy for WM training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Hou
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Taiyi Jiang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Jiangning Fu
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Runsong Sun
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, School of Sociology, Beijing Normal University, China.,National Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dual n-back working memory training evinces superior transfer effects compared to the method of loci. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3072. [PMID: 33542383 PMCID: PMC7862396 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) training is a prevalent intervention for multiple cognitive deficits, however, the transfer effects to other cognitive tasks from gains in WM induced by different training techniques still remains controversial. Therefore, the current study recruited three groups of young adults to investigate the memory training transference, with N-back group (NBG) (n = 50) training on dual n-back task, Memory Palace group (MPG) (n = 50) on method of loci, and a blank control group (BCG) (n = 48) receiving no training. Our results showed that both training groups separately improved WM capacity on respective trained task. For untrained tasks, both training groups enhanced performance on digit-span task, while on change detection task, significant improvement was only observed in NBG. In conclusion, while both techniques can be used as effective training methods to improve WM, the dual n-back task training method, perhaps has a more prominent transfer effect than that of method of loci.
Collapse
|
37
|
Sánchez-Izquierdo M, Fernández-Ballesteros R. Cognition in Healthy Aging. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:962. [PMID: 33499254 PMCID: PMC7908458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The study of cognitive change across a life span, both in pathological and healthy samples, has been heavily influenced by developments in cognitive psychology as a theoretical paradigm, neuropsychology and other bio-medical fields; this alongside the increase in new longitudinal and cohort designs, complemented in the last decades by the evaluation of experimental interventions. Here, a review of aging databases was conducted, looking for the most relevant studies carried out on cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. The aim was to review not only longitudinal, cross-sectional or cohort studies, but also by intervention program evaluations. The most important studies, searching for long-term patterns of stability and change of cognitive measures across a life span and in old age, have shown a great range of inter-individual variability in cognitive functioning changes attributed to age. Furthermore, intellectual functioning in healthy individuals seems to decline rather late in life, if ever, as shown in longitudinal studies where age-related decline of cognitive functioning occurs later in life than indicated by cross-sectional studies. The longitudinal evidence and experimental trials have shown the benefits of aerobic physical exercise and an intellectually engaged lifestyle, suggesting that bio-psycho-socioenvironmental factors concurrently with age predict or determine both positive or negative change or stability in cognition in later life.
Collapse
|
38
|
Hong X, Chen Y, Wang J, Shen Y, Li Q, Zhao B, Guo X, Feng W, Wu W, Li C. Effects of multi-domain cognitive training on working memory retrieval in older adults: behavioral and ERP evidence from a Chinese community study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1207. [PMID: 33441734 PMCID: PMC7806963 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive function that typically declines with age. Previous studies have shown that targeted WM training has the potential to improve WM performance in older adults. In the present study, we investigated whether a multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM could improve the behavioral performance and affect the neural activity during WM retrieval in healthy older adults. We assigned healthy older participants (70-78 years old) from a local community into a training group who completed a 3-month multi-domain cognitive training and a control group who only attended health education lectures during the same period. Behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded from participants while performing an untrained delayed match or non-match to category task and a control task at a pre-training baseline session and a post-training follow-up session. Behaviorally, we found that participants in the training group showed a trend toward greater WM performance gains than participants in the control group. Event-related potential (ERP) results suggest that the task-related modulation of P3 during WM retrieval was significantly enhanced at the follow-up session compared with the baseline session, and importantly, this enhancement of P3 modulation was only significant in the training group. Furthermore, no training-related effects were observed for the P2 or N2 component during WM retrieval. These results suggest that the multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM is a promising approach to improve WM performance in older adults, and that training-related gains in performance are likely mediated by an enhanced modulation of P3 which might reflect the process of WM updating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Hong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - You Chen
- Shanghai Yangpu District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Binglei Zhao
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenyuan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunbo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ophey A, Rehberg S, Giehl K, Eggers C, Reker P, van Eimeren T, Kalbe E. Predicting Working Memory Training Responsiveness in Parkinson's Disease: Both "System Hardware" and Room for Improvement Are Needed. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:117-130. [PMID: 33410387 DOI: 10.1177/1545968320981956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are highly vulnerable to develop cognitive dysfunctions, and the mitigating potential of early cognitive training (CT) is increasingly recognized. Predictors of CT responsiveness, which could help to tailor interventions individually, have rarely been studied in PD. This study aimed to examine individual characteristics of patients with PD associated with responsiveness to targeted working memory training (WMT). Methods. Data of 75 patients with PD (age: 63.99 ± 9.74 years, 93% Hoehn & Yahr stage 2) without cognitive dysfunctions from a randomized controlled trial were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Latent change score models with and without covariates were estimated and compared between the WMT group (n = 37), who participated in a 5-week adaptive WMT, and a waiting list control group (n = 38). Results. Latent change score models yielded adequate model fit (χ2-test p > .05, SRMR ≤ .08, CFI ≥ .95). For the near-transfer working memory composite, lower baseline performance, younger age, higher education, and higher fluid intelligence were found to significantly predict higher latent change scores in the WMT group, but not in the control group. For the far-transfer executive function composite, higher self-efficacy expectancy tended to significantly predict larger latent change scores. Conclusions. The identified associations between individual characteristics and WMT responsiveness indicate that there has to be room for improvement (e.g., lower baseline performance) and also sufficient "hardware" (e.g., younger age, higher intelligence) to benefit in training-related cognitive plasticity. Our findings are discussed within the compensation versus magnification account. They need to be replicated by methodological high-quality research applying advanced statistical methods with larger samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carsten Eggers
- University Hospital of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Universities of Marburg and Gießen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Thilo van Eimeren
- University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Stavroulaki V, Giakoumaki SG, Sidiropoulou K. Working memory training effects across the lifespan: Evidence from human and experimental animal studies. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 194:111415. [PMID: 33338498 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Working memory refers to a cognitive function that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information necessary for complex cognitive tasks. Due to its central role in general cognition, several studies have investigated the possibility that training on working memory tasks could improve not only working memory function but also increase other cognitive abilities or modulate other behaviors. This possibility is still highly controversial, with prior studies providing contradictory findings. The lack of systematic approaches and methodological shortcomings complicates this debate even more. This review highlights the impact of working memory training at different ages on humans. Finally, it demonstrates several findings about the neural substrate of training in both humans and experimental animals, including non-human primates and rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, Gallos University Campus, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece; University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Educational Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Sidiropoulou
- Dept of Biology, University of Crete, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pergher V, Vanbilsen N, Tournoy J, Schoenmakers B, Van Hulle MM. Impact of strategy use during N-Back training in older adults. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2020.1833891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pergher
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuro- & Psychophysiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nele Vanbilsen
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuro- & Psychophysiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- University Hospitals Leuven & Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven – Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marc M. Van Hulle
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuro- & Psychophysiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cerreta AGB, Mruczek REB, Berryhill ME. Predicting Working Memory Training Benefits From Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Using Resting-State fMRI. Front Psychol 2020; 11:570030. [PMID: 33154728 PMCID: PMC7591503 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on working memory (WM) performance are promising but variable and contested. In particular, designs involving one session of tDCS are prone to variable outcomes with notable effects of individual differences. Some participants benefit, whereas others are impaired by the same tDCS protocol. In contrast, protocols including multiple sessions of tDCS more consistently report WM improvement across participants. The objective of the current project was to test whether differences in resting-state connectivity between stimulation site and two WM-relevant networks [default mode network (DMN) and central executive network (CEN)] could account for initial and longitudinal responses to tDCS. Healthy young adults completed 5 days of visual WM training during sham or anodal right frontal tDCS. The behavioral data showed that only the active tDCS group significantly improved over the visual WM training period. There were no significant correlations between initial response to tDCS and resting-state activity. DMN activity in the anterior cingulate cortex significantly correlated with WM training slope. These data underscore the importance of sampling in studies applying tDCS; homogeneity (e.g., of gender, special population, and WM capacity) may produce more consistent data in a single experiment with limited power, whereas heterogeneity is important in determining the mechanism(s) and potential for tDCS-linked protocols. This issue is a limitation in tDCS findings that continues to hamper its optimization and translational value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelle G B Cerreta
- Program in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Program in Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Ryan E B Mruczek
- Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Marian E Berryhill
- Program in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Program in Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ophey A, Roheger M, Folkerts AK, Skoetz N, Kalbe E. A Systematic Review on Predictors of Working Memory Training Responsiveness in Healthy Older Adults: Methodological Challenges and Future Directions. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:575804. [PMID: 33173503 PMCID: PMC7591761 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.575804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research on predictors of working memory training responsiveness, which could help tailor cognitive interventions individually, is a timely topic in healthy aging. However, the findings are highly heterogeneous, reporting partly conflicting results following a broad spectrum of methodological approaches to answer the question “who benefits most” from working memory training. Objective: The present systematic review aimed to systematically investigate prognostic factors and models for working memory training responsiveness in healthy older adults. Method: Four online databases were searched up to October 2019 (MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO). The inclusion criteria for full texts were publication in a peer-reviewed journal in English/German, inclusion of healthy older individuals aged ≥55 years without any neurological and/or psychiatric diseases including cognitive impairment, and the investigation of prognostic factors and/or models for training responsiveness after targeted working memory training in terms of direct training effects, near-transfer effects to verbal and visuospatial working memory as well as far-transfer effects to other cognitive domains and behavioral variables. The study design was not limited to randomized controlled trials. Results: A total of 16 studies including n = 675 healthy older individuals with a mean age of 63.0–86.8 years were included in this review. Within these studies, five prognostic model approaches and 18 factor finding approaches were reported. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies checklist, indicating that important information, especially regarding the domains study attrition, study confounding, and statistical analysis and reporting, was lacking throughout many of the investigated studies. Age, education, intelligence, and baseline performance in working memory or other cognitive domains were frequently investigated predictors across studies. Conclusions: Given the methodological shortcomings of the included studies, no clear conclusions can be drawn, and emerging patterns of prognostic effects will have to survive sound methodological replication in future attempts to promote precision medicine approaches in the context of working memory training. Methodological considerations are discussed, and our findings are embedded to the cognitive aging literature, considering, for example, the cognitive reserve framework and the compensation vs. magnification account. The need for personalized cognitive prevention and intervention methods to counteract cognitive decline in the aging population is high and the potential enormous. Registration: PROSPERO, ID CRD42019142750.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mandy Roheger
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ophey A, Giehl K, Rehberg S, Eggers C, Reker P, van Eimeren T, Kalbe E. Effects of working memory training in patients with Parkinson's disease without cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2020; 72:13-22. [PMID: 32078917 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and evaluate effects of a computerized working memory (WM) training (WMT) in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) on cognitive and clinical outcomes. METHODS 76 patients with PD without cognitive impairment were randomized to either the WMT group (n = 37), who participated in a 5-week adaptive WMT, or a passive waiting-list control group (CG, n = 39). Patients underwent clinical and neuropsychological examination at baseline, after training, and at 3-months follow-up, with verbal WM and non-verbal WM as primary outcomes. Outcome assessors were blinded for group allocation. RESULTS All WMT participants completed the training successfully and reported high levels of motivation for and satisfaction with the training. Repeated-measures, linear mixed-effects models revealed positive training effects for the WMT group compared to the CG in verbal working memory with a small relative effect size 0.39 [95%CI 0.05; 0.76] for the 3-months follow-up only. No other reliable training effects in cognitive and clinical variables were found for either point of time. CONCLUSIONS In this randomized controlled trial, WMT was feasible and yielded some evidence for 3-months follow-up training gains in patients with PD. WMT might be an effective intervention to prevent cognitive decline in this patient group, however, more longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods and more sensitive assessment tools will have to proof this concept. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00009379).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Giehl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Sarah Rehberg
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Carsten Eggers
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Universities of Marburg and Gießen, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Reker
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Straße 27, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostic and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Fu L, Kessels RPC, Maes JHR. The effect of cognitive training in older adults: be aware of CRUNCH. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2020; 27:949-962. [DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1708251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy P. C. Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph H. R. Maes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Brooks SJ, Mackenzie-Phelan R, Tully J, Schiöth HB. Review of the Neural Processes of Working Memory Training: Controlling the Impulse to Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:512761. [PMID: 33132926 PMCID: PMC7511702 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.512761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone technology has enabled the creation of many working memory training (WMT) Apps, with those peer-reviewed described in a recent review. WMT claims to improve working memory, attention deficits, hyperactivity and fluid intelligence, in line with plasticity brain changes. Critics argue that WMT is unable to achieve "far-transfer"-the attainment of benefits to cognition from one taught context to another dissimilar context-associated with improved quality of life. However, brain changes after a course of WMT in frontoparietal and striatal circuits-that often occur prior to behavioral changes-may be a better indicator of far-transfer efficacy, especially to improve impulse control commonly dysregulated in those with addictive disorders, yet not commonly examined in WMT studies. METHOD In contrast to previous reviews, the aim here is to focus on the findings of brain imaging WMT training studies across various imaging modalities that use various paradigms, published via PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. RESULTS 35 brain imaging studies utilized fMRI, structural imaging (MRI, DTI), functional connectivity, EEG, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), cerebral perfusion, and neurogenetic analyses with tasks based on visuospatial and auditory working memory, dual and standard n-back. DISCUSSION Evidence suggests that repeated WMT reduces brain activation in frontoparietal and striatal networks reflective of increased neural circuitry efficiency via myelination and functional connectivity changes. Neural effects of WMT may persist months after training has ended, lead to non-trained task transfer, be strengthened by auxiliary methods such as tDCS and be related to COMT polymorphisms. WMT could be utilized as an effective, non-invasive intervention for working memory deficits to treat impulse and affective control problems in people with addictive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Brooks
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Neuroscience Research Laboratory (NeuRL), Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rhiannon Mackenzie-Phelan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Tully
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sala G, Aksayli ND, Tatlidil KS, Gondo Y, Gobet F. Working memory training does not enhance older adults' cognitive skills: A comprehensive meta-analysis. INTELLIGENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2019.101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|