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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.
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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
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Mattes A, Roheger M. Nothing wrong about change: the adequate choice of the dependent variable and design in prediction of cognitive training success. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:296. [PMID: 33287734 PMCID: PMC7720538 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01176-8] [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: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Even though investigating predictors of intervention success (e.g Cognitive Training, CT) is gaining more and more interest in the light of an individualized medicine, results on specific predictors of intervention success in the overall field are mixed and inconsistent due to different and sometimes inappropriate statistical methods used. Therefore, the present paper gives a guidance on the appropriate use of multiple regression analyses to identify predictors of CT and similar non-pharmacological interventions. Methods We simulated data based on a predefined true model and ran a series of different analyses to evaluate their performance in retrieving the true model coefficients. The true model consisted of a 2 (between: experimental vs. control group) × 2 (within: pre- vs. post-treatment) design with two continuous predictors, one of which predicted the success in the intervention group and the other did not. In analyzing the data, we considered four commonly used dependent variables (post-test score, absolute change score, relative change score, residual score), five regression models, eight sample sizes, and four levels of reliability. Results Our results indicated that a regression model including the investigated predictor, Group (experimental vs. control), pre-test score, and the interaction between the investigated predictor and the Group as predictors, and the absolute change score as the dependent variable seemed most convenient for the given experimental design. Although the pre-test score should be included as a predictor in the regression model for reasons of statistical power, its coefficient should not be interpreted because even if there is no true relationship, a negative and statistically significant regression coefficient commonly emerges. Conclusion Employing simulation methods, theoretical reasoning, and mathematical derivations, we were able to derive recommendations regarding the analysis of data in one of the most prevalent experimental designs in research on CT and external predictors of CT success. These insights can contribute to the application of considered data analyses in future studies and facilitate cumulative knowledge gain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-020-01176-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Mattes
- Department of Individual Differences and Psychological Assessment, University of Cologne, Pohligstraße 1, 50969, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mandy Roheger
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau Str. 49, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
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Roheger M, Kalbe E, Corbett A, Brooker H, Ballard C. Lower cognitive baseline scores predict cognitive training success after 6 months in healthy older adults: Results of an online RCT. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 35:1000-1008. [PMID: 32363656 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying predictors for general cognitive training (GCT) success in healthy older adults has many potential uses, including aiding intervention and improving individual dementia risk prediction, which are of high importance in health care. However, the factors that predict training improvements and the temporal course of predictors (eg, do the same prognostic factors predict training success after a short training period, such as 6 weeks, as well as after a longer training period, such as 6 months?) are largely unknown. METHODS Data (N = 4,184 healthy older individuals) from two arms (GCT vs. control) of a three-arm randomized controlled trial were reanalyzed to investigate predictors of GCT success in five cognitive tasks (grammatical reasoning, spatial working memory, digit vigilance, paired association learning, and verbal learning) at three time points (after 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of training). Possible investigated predictors were sociodemographic variables, depressive symptoms, number of training sessions, cognitive baseline values, and all interaction terms (group*predictor). RESULTS Being female was predictive for improvement in grammatical reasoning at 6 weeks in the GCT group, and lower cognitive baseline scores were predictive for improvement in spatial working memory and verbal learning at 6 months. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that predictors seem to change over time; remarkably, lower baseline performance at study entry is only a significant predictor at 6 months training. Possible reasons for these results are discussed in relation to the compensation hypothesis. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:-, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Roheger
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Corbett
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Helen Brooker
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Clive Ballard
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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de Souza Pereira BL, Mansur-Alves M. Analysis of the Effects of an Episodic Memory Training Program on Institutionalized Elderly. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s43076-020-00023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Roheger M, Folkerts AK, Krohm F, Skoetz N, Kalbe E. Prognostic factors for change in memory test performance after memory training in healthy older adults: a systematic review and outline of statistical challenges. Diagn Progn Res 2020; 4:7. [PMID: 32478173 PMCID: PMC7240921 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-020-0071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal is to investigate prognostic factors for change in memory test performance in healthy older adults and to report and discuss the different statistical procedures used for investigating this topic in the literature. METHODS Prognostic factors were here understood as any measures that were investigated to estimate change in memory test performance. MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo were searched up to November 2019. Prognostic factor and prognostic factor finding studies investigating prognostic factors on verbal and non-verbal short- and long-term memory after conducting memory training in healthy older adults were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. RESULTS Our search yielded 12,974 results. We included 29 studies that address prognostic factors of change in memory test performance, including sociodemographic, (neuro-)psychological, genetic, and biological parameters. Studies showed high variation and methodological shortcomings with regard to the assessment, statistical evaluation, and reporting of the investigated prognostic factors. Included studies used different types of dependent variables (change scores vs. post-test scores) when defining change in memory test performance leading to contradictory results. Age was the only variable investigated throughout most of the studies, showing that older adults benefit more from training when using the change score as the dependent variable. CONCLUSION Overall, there is a need for adequate reporting in studies of prognostic factors for change in memory test performance. Because of inconsistencies and methodological shortcomings in the literature, conclusions regarding prognostic factors remain uncertain. As a tentative conclusion, one may say that the higher the age of the participant, the more profound the improvement in memory test performance will be after memory training. TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42019127479.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Roheger
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 68, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 68, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Krohm
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 68, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Evidence-Based Oncology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 68, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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Roheger M, Meyer J, Kessler J, Kalbe E. Predicting short- and long-term cognitive training success in healthy older adults: who benefits? AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2019; 27:351-369. [DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1617396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Roheger
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Meyer
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Josef Kessler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Cavallini E, Bottiroli S, Dunlosky J, Ambiel E, Lux A, Hertzog C. Strategy-adaptation memory training: predictors of older adults’ training gains. OPEN PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/psych-2018-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractOver the past decades, memory training interventions have been developed in an attempt to stabilize or enhance memory functioning in aging. Only recently has attention been paid to individual differences in training gains and consequently to predictors of such gains. The aim of the present study was to identify which specific cognitive mechanisms/processes or components of the intervention were responsible for the desired change and which individuals were more responsive to memory strategic training. Eighty-one older adults (aged 55 to 82) were involved in a four-session strategy-adaptation training based on a learner-oriented approach that has previously been found to be effective in improving memory performance in practiced and untrained tasks. Results showed that baseline performance in memory tasks predicted the gains in the practiced task. Baseline performance in memory tasks and other cognitive variables, such as working memory, processing speed, and verbal knowledge predicted transfer effects. Interestingly, we found that the magnitude of training gain on the associative memory practiced task predicted the gains in the transfer tasks, suggesting those who best implemented the targeted strategies during training realized greater transfer to other tasks. Our study shows that older adults with larger cognitive resources will benefit more from interventions focused on the generalization via active processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, 82100, Italy; IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | | | - Erika Ambiel
- Hildebrand Clinic, Brissago, CH-6614, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Lux
- C.I.S.A.S. Santhià, Santhià, 13048, Italy
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de Lange AMG, Bråthen ACS, Rohani DA, Grydeland H, Fjell AM, Walhovd KB. The effects of memory training on behavioral and microstructural plasticity in young and older adults. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:5666-5680. [PMID: 28782901 PMCID: PMC5887978 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Age differences in human brain plasticity are assumed, but have not been systematically investigated. In this longitudinal study, we investigated changes in white matter (WM) microstructure in response to memory training relative to passive and active control conditions in 183 young and older adults. We hypothesized that (i) only the training group would show improved memory performance and microstructural alterations, (ii) the young adults would show larger memory improvement and a higher degree of microstructural alterations as compared to the older adults, and (iii) changes in memory performance would relate to microstructural alterations. The results showed that memory improvement was specific to the training group, and that both the young and older participants improved their performance. The young group improved their memory to a larger extent compared to the older group. In the older sample, the training group showed less age-related decline in WM microstructure compared to the control groups, in areas overlapping the corpus callosum, the cortico-spinal tract, the cingulum bundle, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the anterior thalamic radiation. Less microstructural decline was related to a higher degree of memory improvement. Despite individual adaptation securing sufficient task difficulty, no training-related group differences in microstructure were found in the young adults. The observed divergence of behavioral and microstructural responses to memory training with age is discussed within a supply-demand framework. The results demonstrate that plasticity is preserved into older age, and that microstructural alterations may be part of a neurobiological substrate for behavioral improvements in older adults. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5666-5680, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Glasø de Lange
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Cecilie Sjøli Bråthen
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Darius A Rohani
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håkon Grydeland
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of radiology and nuclear medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of radiology and nuclear medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Lecce S, Ceccato I, Rosi A, Bianco F, Bottiroli S, Cavallini E. Theory of mind plasticity in aging: The role of baseline, verbal knowledge, and executive functions. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2017; 29:440-455. [PMID: 28385110 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1308871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to the ability to attribute mental states to the self and others in order to explain and predict social behaviour. Meta-analytic results have shown a decline in ToM abilities in healthy older adults. Recent research has also highlighted the possibility of enhancing older adults' ToM performance through group conversations focused on mental states. Our aim was to determine whether the extent to which older people benefited from a ToM training was predicted by performance on a battery of executive functioning tasks, on baselines in ToM tasks, on verbal knowledge. Forty-three older adults (60-84 years) participated in a three-session ToM training programme that has previously shown to be effective in improving ToM ability. Results showed that verbal knowledge predicted training gains in practiced ToM tasks. In addition, age, executive functions and baseline performance predicted training gains in non-practiced ToM tasks. Results are discussed in light of the amplification model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lecce
- a Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Irene Ceccato
- a Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Alessia Rosi
- a Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- a Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- b Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute , Pavia , Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- a Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
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Abstract
Brain training is topical yet controversial. Effects are often limited to trained tasks; and near and far effects to untrained tasks or everyday life measures are often small or lacking altogether. More recent approaches use evidence from cognitive neuroscience on neuroplasticity, resulting in novel cognitive interventions. This special issue encompasses the state of the art of these interventions. Two systematic reviews and nine experimental studies in a variety of patient groups or healthy participants are included, the results of which mostly confirm earlier findings: effects on trained tasks are consistently reported, but generalisation in terms of functional outcome is limited and little evidence is found of long-term effects. In general, the studies show promising, yet challenging training effects on cognition in healthy persons and patients with cognitive deficits. As such, they may be seen as positive "proof of principle" studies, highlighting that cognitive enhancement is possible. The field of brain training, however, is in urgent need of larger and more thoroughly designed studies. These future studies should also include outcome measures on daily functioning, self-efficacy and quality of life in addition to neuropsychological tests or tasks related to cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M van Heugten
- a Department Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology , Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,b School for Mental Health and Neuroscience , Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf W H M Ponds
- b School for Mental Health and Neuroscience , Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,c Department of Psychology , Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,d Adelante Rehabilitation Center , Hoensbroek , The Netherlands
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- e Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.,f Department of Medical Psychology & Radboudumc Alzheimer Center , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.,g Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry , Venray , The Netherlands
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