Nurse-Enhanced Computerized Cognitive Training Increases Serum Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels and Improves Working Memory in Heart Failure.
J Card Fail 2015;
21:630-41. [PMID:
25982826 DOI:
10.1016/j.cardfail.2015.05.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Memory loss is common in heart failure (HF) patients, but few interventions have been tested to treat it. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy of a cognitive training intervention, Brain Fitness, to improve memory, serum brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels, working memory, processing speed, executive function, instrumental activities of daily living, mobility, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Twenty-seven HF patients were randomly assigned to Brain Fitness and health education active control interventions. Data were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models analyses were completed. Patients in the Brain Fitness group were older with lower ejection fraction. At 12 weeks, a group by time interaction effect was found for serum BDNF levels (P = .011): serum BDNF levels increased among patients who completed Brain Fitness and decreased among patients who completed health education. No differences were found in memory, but a group by time interaction (P = .046) effect was found for working memory.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings support efficacy of Brain Fitness in improving working memory and serum BDNF levels as a biomarker of intervention response. A randomized controlled study is needed among a larger more diverse group of HF patients.
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