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Takaoka T, Hashimoto K, Aoki S, Inoue E, Kawate N. Effects of the abacus-based mental calculation training application "SoroTouch" on cognitive functions: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299201. [PMID: 38470885 PMCID: PMC10931506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of a home-based computerized cognitive training program that utilizes a digital application for training abacus-based mental calculations, "SoroTouch," on the cognitive functions of healthy middle-aged and older people using a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 20 adults (aged 42-79 years) who were involved in community-based activities for dementia prevention held by a certain organization. The participants were assigned randomly to the intervention (SoroTouch) group or control group. The SoroTouch group received home-based cognitive training with SoroTouch, being asked to use the software every day for 6 months, while the control group did not receive any intervention. To investigate the effect of SoroTouch, CogEvo, a cognitive functions test battery utilizing a tablet device, was administered to all participants once per month during the 6-month intervention period. In addition, before and after the intervention, all participants were asked to take the CogEvo and the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). The analyses showed that the SoroTouch group did not improve total scores of the CogEvo and MoCA-J, but large group differences were observed in the two tasks of the CogEvo as follows: 'Follow the order' (modified Trail Making Test) at 2 months after the beginning of the intervention (group differences; 39.4, 95% confidence interval; 7.6-71.2) and 'Route 99' at 6 months (group differences; 39.6, 95% confidence interval; 4.9-74.4). These results provide evidence that a home-based computerized cognitive training program SoroTouch has the potential to improve working memory, attention and planning in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Takaoka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Aoki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Inoue
- Showa University Research Administration Center, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kawate
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Peeters G, Black IL, Gomersall SR, Fritschi J, Sweeney A, Guedes de Oliveira Y, Panizzutti R, McEvoy CT, Lampit A. Behaviour Change Techniques in Computerized Cognitive Training for Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:238-254. [PMID: 35157209 PMCID: PMC9998598 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to describe behaviour change techniques (BCT) used in trials evaluating computerised cognitive training (CCT) in cognitively healthy older adults, and explore whether BCTs are associated with improved adherence and efficacy. The 90 papers included in a recent meta-analysis were reviewed for information about adherence and use of BCTs in accordance with the Behaviour Change Taxonomy. Studies using a specific BCT were compared with studies not using that BCT on efficacy (difference in Hedges' g [Δg]) using three level meta-regression models and on median adherence using the Wilcoxon test. The median number of BCTs per study was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2-5). 'Feedback on behaviour' (if provided by a person; Δg = -0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.31;-0.07) and 'non-specific reward' (Δg = -0.19, CI = -0.34;-0.05) were associated with lower efficacy. Certain BCTs that involve personal contact may be beneficial, although none were statistically significantly associated with greater efficacy. The median percentage of adherence was 90% (IQR = 81-95). Adherence was higher in studies using the BCT 'self-monitoring of behaviour' and lower in studies using the BCT 'graded tasks' than studies not using these BCTs (p < 0.001). These findings provide first evidence that BCTs can influence both adherence to and efficacy of CCT programs in cognitively healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeske Peeters
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. .,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud Institute of Health Science, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Irene L Black
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, CHI Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sjaan R Gomersall
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Aoife Sweeney
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Rogerio Panizzutti
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claire T McEvoy
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Amit Lampit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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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.
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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
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Robledo-Castro C, Castillo-Ossa LF, Corchado JM. Artificial Cognitive Systems Applied in Executive Function Stimulation and Rehabilitation Programs: A Systematic Review. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022; 48:2399-2427. [PMID: 36185593 PMCID: PMC9516512 DOI: 10.1007/s13369-022-07292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a systematic review of studies on cognitive training programs based on artificial cognitive systems and digital technologies and their effect on executive functions. The aim has been to identify which populations have been studied, the characteristics of the implemented programs, the types of implemented cognitive systems and digital technologies, the evaluated executive functions, and the key findings of these studies. The review has been carried out following the PRISMA protocol; five databases have been selected from which 1889 records were extracted. The articles were filtered following established criteria, to give a final selection of 264 articles that have been used for the purposes of this study in the analysis phase. The findings showed that the most studied populations were school-age children and the elderly. The most studied executive functions were working memory and attentional processes, followed by inhibitory control and processing speed. Many programs were commercial, customizable, gamified, and based on classic tasks. Some more recent initiatives have begun to incorporate user-machine interfaces, robotics, and virtual reality, although studies on their effects remain scarce. The studies recognize multiple benefits of computerized neuropsychological stimulation and rehabilitation programs for executive functions in different age groups, but there is a lack of studies in specific population sectors and with more rigorous research designs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13369-022-07292-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Robledo-Castro
- Currículo, Universidad y Sociedad Research Group, Universidad del Tolima, Calle 42 1-02, 730006299 Ibagué, Colombia
- Ingeniería del Software Research Group, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
| | - Luis F. Castillo-Ossa
- Ingeniería del Software Research Group, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
- Inteligencia Artificial Research Group, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 26-10, 170002 Manizales, Colombia
- Departamento de Ingeniería Indutrial, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales, Campus La Nubia, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
| | - Juan M. Corchado
- BISITE Research Group, University of Salamanca, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Air Institute, IoT Digital Innovation Hub, 37188 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Electronics, Information and Communication, Osaka Institute of Technology, 535-8585 Osaka, Japan
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Rogalski Y, Key-DeLyria SE, Hazamy A, Altmann LJP. Global Coherence and Cognition in Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:2962-2977. [PMID: 35930682 PMCID: PMC9911095 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compared global coherence (GC) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) to a healthy older adult (HOA) group during single (sitting) and dual (stationary cycling) tasks. Additionally, it explored the relationship between GC and cognition in PD. METHOD Thirty-seven individuals with PD and 19 HOAs participated in the prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants completed discourse monologues elicited using published prompts while seated and while pedaling a stationary bicycle. Four rating levels of GC were analyzed (GC1 = no relationship to the topic, GC2 = remote relationship, GC3 = conditional relationship, and GC4 = complete relationship) using a published protocol with good interrater reliability and test-retest stability. Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks, from which four latent factors were extracted: processing speed, working memory, inhibition, and updating. RESULTS Linear mixed modeling identified significant effects of GC level and GC level interactions with group, processing speed, and inhibition. The Group × GC Level interaction reflected that the PD group had a higher proportion of GC2 and GC1 utterances and fewer GC4 utterances than the HOA group. No differences between single and dual task conditions were found. Faster speed of processing predicted more GC4 utterances, whereas slower speed of processing predicted more G1 utterances. Better inhibition predicted fewer GC2 utterances. Group also predicted GC4 and GC2 proportions. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with PD experienced greater difficulties with GC than HOAs. Processing speed and inhibition contributed significantly to GC across groups. Analysis of GC should be considered an informative addition to assessment of communicative effectiveness in PD. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20416056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Rogalski
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Ithaca College, NY
| | | | - Audrey Hazamy
- Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders, Brooklyn College, NY
| | - Lori J P Altmann
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville
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Stine-Morrow EAL, McCall GS, Manavbasi I, Ng S, Llano DA, Barbey AK. The Effects of Sustained Literacy Engagement on Cognition and Sentence Processing Among Older Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:923795. [PMID: 35898978 PMCID: PMC9309613 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence suggests that language processing depends on memory processes, which are vulnerable to declines with aging. Yet little is known about the effects of language processing in the form of sustained literacy engagement on memory and other aspects of cognition. In the current study, adults (60-79 years of age) were randomly assigned to an 8-week program of leisure reading (n = 38) or to an active puzzle control (n = 38). Relative to the control, the experimental group showed differential improvement in verbal working memory and episodic memory. The experimental group also showed evidence of enhanced conceptual integration in sentence processing. These effects did not vary as a function of personality characteristics (e.g., openness) hypothesized to be compatible with literacy engagement. These findings support the idea that the exercise of cognitive capacities in the context of everyday life may offset age-related impairment in areas of cognition engaged by the activity, regardless of dispositional fit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. L. Stine-Morrow
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Giavanna S. McCall
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Ilber Manavbasi
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Shukhan Ng
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Llano
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Aron K. Barbey
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
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Crandell HA, Silcox JW, Ferguson SH, Lohani M, Payne BR. The Effects of Captioning Errors, Background Noise, and Hearing Loss on Memory for Text-Captioned Speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:2364-2390. [PMID: 35623337 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have suggested that the negative effects of acoustic challenge on speech memory can be attenuated with assistive text captions, particularly among older adults with hearing impairment. However, no studies have systematically examined the effects of text-captioning errors, which are common in automated speech recognition (ASR) systems. METHOD In two experiments, we examined memory for text-captioned speech (with and without background noise) when captions had no errors (control) or had one of three common ASR errors: substitution, deletion, or insertion errors. RESULTS In both Experiment 1 (young adults with normal hearing) and Experiment 2 (older adults with varying hearing acuity), we observed similar additive effects of caption errors and background noise, such that increased background noise and the presence of captioning errors negatively impacted memory outcomes. Notably, the negative effects of captioning errors were largest among older adults with increased hearing thresholds, suggesting that older adults with hearing loss may show an increased reliance on text captions compared to adults with normal hearing. CONCLUSION Our findings show that even a single-word error can be deleterious to memory for text-captioned speech, especially in older adults with hearing loss. Therefore, to produce the greatest benefit to memory, it is crucial that text captions are accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack W Silcox
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Sarah H Ferguson
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Monika Lohani
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Brennan R Payne
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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Völter C, Oberländer K, Haubitz I, Carroll R, Dazert S, Thomas JP. Poor Performer: A Distinct Entity in Cochlear Implant Users? Audiol Neurootol 2022; 27:356-367. [PMID: 35533653 PMCID: PMC9533457 DOI: 10.1159/000524107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several factors are known to influence speech perception in cochlear implant (CI) users. To date, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. Although many CI users achieve a high level of speech perception, a small percentage of patients does not or only slightly benefit from the CI (poor performer, PP). In a previous study, PP showed significantly poorer results on nonauditory-based cognitive and linguistic tests than CI users with a very high level of speech understanding (star performer, SP). We now investigate if PP also differs from the CI user with an average performance (average performer, AP) in cognitive and linguistic performance. METHODS Seventeen adult postlingually deafened CI users with speech perception scores in quiet of 55 (9.32) % (AP) on the German Freiburg monosyllabic speech test at 65 dB underwent neurocognitive (attention, working memory, short- and long-term memory, verbal fluency, inhibition) and linguistic testing (word retrieval, lexical decision, phonological input lexicon). The results were compared to the performance of 15 PP (speech perception score of 15 [11.80] %) and 19 SP (speech perception score of 80 [4.85] %). For statistical analysis, U-Test and discrimination analysis have been done. RESULTS Significant differences between PP and AP were observed on linguistic tests, in Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN: p = 0.0026), lexical decision (LexDec: p = 0.026), phonological input lexicon (LEMO: p = 0.0085), and understanding of incomplete words (TRT: p = 0.0024). AP also had significantly better neurocognitive results than PP in the domains of attention (M3: p = 0.009) and working memory (OSPAN: p = 0.041; RST: p = 0.015) but not in delayed recall (delayed recall: p = 0.22), verbal fluency (verbal fluency: p = 0.084), and inhibition (Flanker: p = 0.35). In contrast, no differences were found hereby between AP and SP. Based on the TRT and the RAN, AP and PP could be separated in 100%. DISCUSSION The results indicate that PP constitute a distinct entity of CI users that differs even in nonauditory abilities from CI users with an average speech perception, especially with regard to rapid word retrieval either due to reduced phonological abilities or limited storage. Further studies should investigate if improved word retrieval by increased phonological and semantic training results in better speech perception in these CI users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Völter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cochlear Implant Center Ruhrgebiet, St Elisabeth-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Oberländer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cochlear Implant Center Ruhrgebiet, St Elisabeth-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany,
| | - Imme Haubitz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cochlear Implant Center Ruhrgebiet, St Elisabeth-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rebecca Carroll
- Institute of English and American Studies, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dazert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cochlear Implant Center Ruhrgebiet, St Elisabeth-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Peter Thomas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St-Johannes-Hospital, Dortmund, Germany
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Text Captioning Buffers Against the Effects of Background Noise and Hearing Loss on Memory for Speech. Ear Hear 2021; 43:115-127. [PMID: 34260436 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Everyday speech understanding frequently occurs in perceptually demanding environments, for example, due to background noise and normal age-related hearing loss. The resulting degraded speech signals increase listening effort, which gives rise to negative downstream effects on subsequent memory and comprehension, even when speech is intelligible. In two experiments, we explored whether the presentation of realistic assistive text captioned speech offsets the negative effects of background noise and hearing impairment on multiple measures of speech memory. DESIGN In Experiment 1, young normal-hearing adults (N = 48) listened to sentences for immediate recall and delayed recognition memory. Speech was presented in quiet or in two levels of background noise. Sentences were either presented as speech only or as text captioned speech. Thus, the experiment followed a 2 (caption vs no caption) × 3 (no noise, +7 dB signal-to-noise ratio, +3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) within-subjects design. In Experiment 2, a group of older adults (age range: 61 to 80, N = 31), with varying levels of hearing acuity completed the same experimental task as in Experiment 1. For both experiments, immediate recall, recognition memory accuracy, and recognition memory confidence were analyzed via general(ized) linear mixed-effects models. In addition, we examined individual differences as a function of hearing acuity in Experiment 2. RESULTS In Experiment 1, we found that the presentation of realistic text-captioned speech in young normal-hearing listeners showed improved immediate recall and delayed recognition memory accuracy and confidence compared with speech alone. Moreover, text captions attenuated the negative effects of background noise on all speech memory outcomes. In Experiment 2, we replicated the same pattern of results in a sample of older adults with varying levels of hearing acuity. Moreover, we showed that the negative effects of hearing loss on speech memory in older adulthood were attenuated by the presentation of text captions. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that the simultaneous presentation of text can offset the negative effects of effortful listening on speech memory. Critically, captioning benefits extended from immediate word recall to long-term sentence recognition memory, a benefit that was observed not only for older adults with hearing loss but also young normal-hearing listeners. These findings suggest that the text captioning benefit to memory is robust and has potentially wide applications for supporting speech listening in acoustically challenging environments.
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Abstract
Some researchers theorize that musicians’ greater language ability is mediated by greater working memory because music and language share the same processing resources. Prior work using working memory sentence processing dual-task paradigms have shown that holding verbal information (e.g., words) in working memory interferes with sentence processing. In contrast, visuospatial stimuli are processed in a different working memory store and should not interfere with sentence processing. We tested whether music showed similar interference to sentence processing as opposed to noninterference like visuospatial stimuli. We also compared musicians to nonmusicians to investigate whether musical training improves verbal working memory. Findings revealed that musical stimuli produced similar working memory interference as linguistic stimuli, but visuospatial stimuli did not—suggesting that music and language rely on similar working memory resources (i.e., verbal skills) that are distinct from visuospatial skills. Musicians performed more accurately on the working memory tasks, particularly for the verbal and musical working memory stimuli, supporting an association between musicianship and greater verbal working memory capacity. Future research is necessary to evaluate the role of music training as a cognitive intervention or educational strategy to enhance reading fluency.
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Literacy Advantages Beyond Reading: Prediction of Spoken Language. Trends Cogn Sci 2020; 23:464-475. [PMID: 31097411 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Literacy has many obvious benefits: it exposes the reader to a wealth of new information and enhances syntactic knowledge. However, we argue that literacy has an additional, often overlooked, benefit: it enhances people's ability to predict spoken language thereby aiding comprehension. Readers are under pressure to process information more quickly than listeners and reading provides excellent conditions - in particular, a stable environment - for training the predictive system. It also leads to increased awareness of words as linguistic units and to more fine-grained phonological and additional orthographic representations, which sharpen lexical representations and facilitate the retrieval of predicted representations. Thus, reading trains core processes and representations involved in language prediction that are common to both reading and listening.
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Bonnechère B, Langley C, Sahakian BJ. The use of commercial computerised cognitive games in older adults: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15276. [PMID: 32943742 PMCID: PMC7498601 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain training programs are currently one effective solution to prevent cognitive decline in healthy aging. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the use of commercially available computerised cognitive games to improve cognitive function in people aged above 60 years old without cognitive impairment. 1,543 participants from sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Statistically significant improvements were observed for processing speed (SMD increased 0.40 [95% CI 0.20-0.60], p < 0.001), working memory (0.21 [95% CI 0.08-0.34], p = 0.001), executive function (0.21 [95% CI 0.06-0.35], p = 0.006), and for verbal memory (0.12 [95% CI 0.01-0.24, p = 0.031), but not for attention or visuospatial abilities. No relationship between the age of the participants and the amount of training was found. Commercially available computerised cognitive games are effective in improving cognitive function in participants without cognitive impairment aged over 60 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonnechère
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Bldg, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK. .,Center for Research in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research - Public Health School, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Christelle Langley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Bldg, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Bldg, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
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Belleville S, Cuesta M, Bieler-Aeschlimann M, Giacomino K, Widmer A, Mittaz Hager AG, Perez-Marcos D, Cardin S, Boller B, Bier N, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Bherer L, Berryman N, Agrigoroaei S, Demonet JF. Rationale and protocol of the StayFitLonger study: a multicentre trial to measure efficacy and adherence of a home-based computerised multidomain intervention in healthy older adults. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:315. [PMID: 32859156 PMCID: PMC7453698 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In older adults, multidomain training that includes physical and cognitive activities has been associated with improvement of physical and cognitive health. The goal of the multisite StayFitLonger study is to assess a home-based computerised training programme, which combines physical exercises, stimulating cognitive activities and virtual coaching. Methods One hundred twenty-eight cognitively healthy older adults will be recruited from the community in Switzerland, Canada and Belgium. The study will comprise (1) a 26-week double-blind randomized controlled efficacy trial and (2) a 22-week pragmatic adherence sub-study. In the efficacy trial, participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental or an active control intervention. In the experimental intervention, participants will use the StayFitLonger programme, which is computerised on a tablet and provides content that combines physical activities with a focus on strength and balance, as well as divided attention, problem solving and memory training. Outcomes will be measured before and after 26 weeks of training. The primary efficacy outcome will be performance on the “Timed-Up & Go” test. Secondary outcomes will include measures of frailty, cognition, mood, fear of falling, quality of life, and activities of daily living. Age, sex, education, baseline cognition, expectation, and adherence will be used as moderators of efficacy. Following the 26-week efficacy trial, all participants will use the experimental programme meaning that participants in the control group will ‘cross over’ to receive the StayFitLonger programme for 22 weeks. Adherence will be measured in both groups based on dose, volume and frequency of use. In addition, participants’ perception of the programme and its functionalities will be characterised through usability, acceptability and user experience. Discussion This study will determine the efficacy, adherence and participants’ perception of a home-based multidomain intervention programme and its functionalities. This will allow for further development and possible commercialization of a scientifically validated training programme. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04237519 Registered on January 22, 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Belleville
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada. .,Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - M Cuesta
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - M Bieler-Aeschlimann
- Leenaards Memory Centre, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K Giacomino
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis, School of Health Sciences, Loèche-les-Bains, Switzerland
| | - A Widmer
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis, School of Managment, Sierre, Switzerland
| | - A G Mittaz Hager
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis, School of Health Sciences, Loèche-les-Bains, Switzerland
| | | | - S Cardin
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - B Boller
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada.,Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - N Bier
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada.,Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - M Aubertin-Leheudre
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada.,Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - L Bherer
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada.,Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Montréal Heart Institute, Montréal, Canada
| | - N Berryman
- Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec, H3W 1W5, Canada.,Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - S Agrigoroaei
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - J F Demonet
- Leenaards Memory Centre, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Gates NJ, Rutjes AWS, Di Nisio M, Karim S, Chong L, March E, Martínez G, Vernooij RWM. Computerised cognitive training for 12 or more weeks for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 2:CD012277. [PMID: 32104914 PMCID: PMC7045394 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012277.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing age is associated with a natural decline in cognitive function and is the greatest risk factor for dementia. Cognitive decline and dementia are significant threats to independence and quality of life in older adults. Therefore, identifying interventions that help to maintain cognitive function in older adults or that reduce the risk of dementia is a research priority. Cognitive training uses repeated practice on standardised exercises targeting one or more cognitive domains and may be intended to improve or maintain optimal cognitive function. This review examines the effects of computerised cognitive training interventions lasting at least 12 weeks on the cognitive function of healthy adults aged 65 or older and has formed part of a wider project about modifying lifestyle to maintain cognitive function. We chose a minimum 12 weeks duration as a trade-off between adequate exposure to a sustainable intervention and feasibility in a trial setting. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of computerised cognitive training interventions lasting at least 12 weeks on cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life. SEARCH METHODS We searched to 31 March 2018 in ALOIS (www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/alois), and we performed additional searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO Portal/ICTRP (www.apps.who.int/trialsearch), to ensure that the search was as comprehensive and as up-to-date as possible to identify published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, published or unpublished, reported in any language. Participants were cognitively healthy people, and at least 80% of the study population had to be aged 65 or older. Experimental interventions adhered to the following criteria: intervention was any form of interactive computerised cognitive intervention - including computer exercises, computer games, mobile devices, gaming console, and virtual reality - that involved repeated practice on standardised exercises of specified cognitive domain(s) for the purpose of enhancing cognitive function; the duration of the intervention was at least 12 weeks; cognitive outcomes were measured; and cognitive training interventions were compared with active or inactive control interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed preliminary screening of search results using a 'crowdsourcing' method to identify RCTs. At least two review authors working independently screened the remaining citations against inclusion criteria. At least two review authors also independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included RCTs. Where appropriate, we synthesised data in random-effects meta-analyses, comparing computerised cognitive training (CCT) separately with active and inactive controls. We expressed treatment effects as standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used GRADE methods to describe the overall quality of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We identified eight RCTs with a total of 1183 participants. The duration of the interventions ranged from 12 to 26 weeks; in five trials, the duration of intervention was 12 or 13 weeks. The included studies had moderate risk of bias, and the overall quality of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes. We compared CCT first against active control interventions, such as watching educational videos. Negative SMDs favour CCT over control. Trial results suggest slight improvement in global cognitive function at the end of the intervention period (12 weeks) (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.57 to -0.05; 232 participants; 2 studies; low-quality evidence). One of these trials also assessed global cognitive function 12 months after the end of the intervention; this trial provided no clear evidence of a persistent effect (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.24; 77 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). CCT may result in little or no difference at the end of the intervention period in episodic memory (12 to 17 weeks) (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.26; 439 participants; 4 studies; low-quality evidence) or working memory (12 to 16 weeks) (SMD -0.17, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.02; 392 participants; 3 studies; low-quality evidence). Because of the very low quality of the evidence, we are very uncertain about the effects of CCT on speed of processing and executive function. We also compared CCT to inactive control (no interventions). We found no data on our primary outcome of global cognitive function. At the end of the intervention, CCT may lead to slight improvement in episodic memory (6 months) (mean difference (MD) in Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) -0.90 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.73 to -0.07; 150 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence) but can have little or no effect on executive function (12 weeks to 6 months) (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.15; 292 participants; 2 studies; low-quality evidence), working memory (16 weeks) (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.27; 60 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence), or verbal fluency (6 months) (MD -0.11, 95% CI -1.58 to 1.36; 150 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). We could not determine any effects on speed of processing because the evidence was of very low quality. We found no evidence on quality of life, activities of daily living, or adverse effects in either comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low-quality evidence suggesting that immediately after completion of the intervention, small benefits of CCT may be seen for global cognitive function when compared with active controls, and for episodic memory when compared with an inactive control. These benefits are of uncertain clinical importance. We found no evidence that the effect on global cognitive function persisted 12 months later. Our confidence in the results was low, reflecting the overall quality of the evidence. In five of the eight trials, the duration of the intervention was just three months. The possibility that more extensive training could yield larger benefit remains to be more fully explored. We found substantial literature on cognitive training, and collating all available scientific information posed problems. Duration of treatment may not be the best way to categorise interventions for inclusion. As the primary interest of older people and of guideline writers and policymakers involves sustained cognitive benefit, an alternative would be to categorise by length of follow-up after selecting studies that assess longer-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Gates
- University of New South WalesCentre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA)Suite 407 185 Elizabeth StreetSydneyNSWAustralia2000
| | - Anne WS Rutjes
- University of BernInstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)Mittelstrasse 43BernBernSwitzerland3012
- University of BernInstitute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)Mittelstrasse 43BernBernSwitzerland3012
| | - Marcello Di Nisio
- University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti‐PescaraDepartment of Medicine and Ageing SciencesVia dei Vestini 31Chieti ScaloItaly66013
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation TrustPsychiatrySceptre Point, Sceptre WayPrestonUKPR5 6AW
| | | | - Evrim March
- St Vincent's Hospital (Melbourne)St Vincent's Adult Mental Health46 Nicholson StreetFitzroyVICAustralia3065
| | - Gabriel Martínez
- Universidad de AntofagastaFaculty of Medicine and DentistryAvenida Argentina 2000AntofagastaChile127001
| | - Robin WM Vernooij
- University Medical Center UtrechtDepartment of Nephrology and Hypertension and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary CareHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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15
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Basak C, Qin S, O'Connell MA. Differential effects of cognitive training modules in healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment: A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychol Aging 2020; 35:220-249. [PMID: 32011155 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis was designed to compare the effectiveness of 2 cognitive training modules, single-component training, which targets 1 specific cognitive ability, versus multicomponent training, which trains multiple cognitive abilities, on both trained abilities (near transfer) and untrained abilities (far transfer) in older adults. The meta-analysis also assessed whether individual differences in mental status interacted with the extent of transfer. Eligible randomized controlled trials (215 training studies) examined the immediate effects of cognitive training in either healthy aging (HA) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Results yielded an overall net-gain effect size (g) for the cognitive training of 0.28 (p < .001). These effects were similar across mental status and training modules, and were significant for both near (g = 0.37) and far (g = 0.22) transfer. Although all training modules yielded significant near transfer, only a few yielded significant far transfer. Single-component training of executive functions was most effective on near and far transfer, with processing speed training improving everyday functioning. All modules of multicomponent training (specific and nonspecific) yielded significant near and far transfer, including everyday functioning. Training effects on cognition were moderated by educational attainment and number of cognitive outcomes, but only in HA. These findings suggest that, in older adults, all modules of multicomponent training are more effective in engendering near and far transfer, including everyday functioning, when compared with single-component training modules. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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16
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Giehl K, Ophey A, Reker P, Rehberg S, Hammes J, Barbe MT, Zokaei N, Eggers C, Husain M, Kalbe E, van Eimeren T. Effects of Home-Based Working Memory Training on Visuo-Spatial Working Memory in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2020; 12:1179573519899469. [PMID: 32002011 PMCID: PMC6966247 DOI: 10.1177/1179573519899469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a very frequent and severe nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Early intervention in this at-risk group for cognitive decline may be crucial for long-term preservation of cognitive functions. Computerized working memory training (WMT) has been proven beneficial in non-PD patient populations, but such evidence is still needed for patients with PD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of WMT on visuo-spatial working memory (WM) in cognitively unimpaired patients with PD. METHODS A single-blind randomized controlled trial encompassing 76 patients with PD but no cognitive impairment according to level II diagnostic criteria was conducted. Thirty-seven patients engaged in home-based adaptive WMT 5 times per week for a period of 5 weeks, whereas the remaining patients were in the waiting list arm of the study (control group [CG]). Working memory performance was evaluated using a computerized task before and after intervention and at 14-week follow-up, allowing to quantify the precision of WM on a continuous scale, ie, to test not only if an item was remembered but also how well the location of this item was retained. RESULTS Coincidently, the WMT group showed slightly worse WM performance compared with the CG at baseline, which was ameliorated after WMT. This training-induced effect remained stable until follow-up. CONCLUSION Patients showing relatively low WM performance, despite not formally diagnosable as Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), seem to benefit from home-based WMT. Thus, WMT could potentially be implemented in future trials as a time- and cost-efficient route to counteract subtle cognitive changes in early disease stages. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trial Register (drks.de, DRKS00009379).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Giehl
- Multimodal Neuroimaging Group,
Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology,
Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and
Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul Reker
- Department of Neurology, University
Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne,
Germany
| | - Sarah Rehberg
- Department of Medical Psychology,
Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and
Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Hammes
- Multimodal Neuroimaging Group,
Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael T Barbe
- Department of Neurology, University
Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne,
Germany
| | - Nahid Zokaei
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity,
Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University
of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carsten Eggers
- Department of Neurology, University
Hospital of Marburg, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg,
Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior,
Philipps-University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Marburg,
Germany
| | - Masud Husain
- Nuffield Department of Clinical
Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology,
Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and
Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Multimodal Neuroimaging Group,
Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University
Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne,
Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative
Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
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17
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Borella E, Cantarella A, Carretti B, De Lucia A, De Beni R. Improving Everyday Functioning in the Old-Old with Working Memory Training. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:975-983. [PMID: 30878190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.01.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess gains related to working memory (WM) training, in the short and long term (9 months after the training), in abilities required in everyday life, and in cognitive measures in old-old adults (aged ≥ 75 years). METHODS Thirty-two community-dwelling older adults (aged 75-85 years) were randomly assigned to a training or an active control group. In addition to testing for any specific gains in a WM task similar to the one used in the training (criterion task), we sought transfer effects to: 1) abilities involved in everyday life using objective performance-based tasks (the Everyday Problem Test [EPT] and the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [TIADL] scale; 2) tasks demanding the comprehension and recall of spatial information and pairing names with faces; and 3) a measure of inhibitory control, that is, recall errors (intrusion errors). RESULTS Only the trained group showed specific gains in the criterion task, and in the TIADL in the short term. At follow-up, the trained group maintained gains in the criterion task, and showed transfer effects to everyday problem-solving (in the EPT), and in constructing spatial representations of an environment. The trained group also improved in a cognitive inhibition measure (intrusion errors) at follow-up. No such improvements were seen in the active control group. CONCLUSION WM training may be a valid way to help old-old adults preserve at least some abilities related to everyday functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Barbara Carretti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Lucia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossana De Beni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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18
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Simon SS, Tusch ES, Feng NC, Håkansson K, Mohammed AH, Daffner KR. Is Computerized Working Memory Training Effective in Healthy Older Adults? Evidence from a Multi-Site, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 65:931-949. [PMID: 30103334 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing effective interventions to attenuate age-related cognitive decline and prevent or delay the onset of dementia are major public health goals. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has been marketed increasingly to older adults, but its efficacy remains unclear. Working memory (WM), a key determinant of higher order cognitive abilities, is susceptible to age-related decline and a relevant target for CCT in elders. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of CCT focused on WM compared to an active control condition in healthy older adults. METHODS Eighty-two cognitively normal adults from two sites (USA and Sweden) were randomly assigned to Cogmed Adaptive or Non-Adaptive (active control) CCT groups. Training was performed in participants' homes, five days per week over five weeks. Changes in the performance of the Cogmed trained tasks, and in five neuropsychological tests (Trail Making Test Part A and Part B, Digit Symbol, Controlled Oral Word Association Test and Semantic Fluency) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS The groups were comparable at baseline. The Adaptive group showed robust gains in the trained tasks, and there was a time-by-group interaction for the Digit Symbol test, with significant improvement only after Adaptive training. In addition, the magnitude of the intervention effect was similar at both sites. CONCLUSION Home-based CCT Adaptive WM training appears more effective than Non-Adaptive training in older adults from different cultural backgrounds. We present evidence of improvement in trained tasks and on a demanding untrained task dependent upon WM and processing speed. The benefits over the active control group suggest that the Adaptive CCT gains were linked to providing a continuously challenging level of WM difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon S Simon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erich S Tusch
- Department of Neurology, Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole C Feng
- Department of Neurology, Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krister Håkansson
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of NVS, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Abdul H Mohammed
- Department of Psychology, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Center of Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirk R Daffner
- Department of Neurology, Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Home-Based Computerized Cognitive Training for Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation in Elderly Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nerv Ment Dis 2019; 207:693-699. [PMID: 31356409 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a severe outcome after lung transplantation, especially in the elderly lung transplant recipients. Home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a widely used intervention for cognition improvement, but its efficacy has not been validated in this population. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to analyze the effect of CCT on elderly lung transplant recipients. The participants received either an 8-week CCT intervention or usual care. The changes of cognitive function were assessed between preintervention (T1), postintervention (T2), and 12 weeks postintervention (T3). Among the 46 participants, 91.3% completed the interventions. The CCT group performed better than the control group on Digit-Span Forward Test (T3: p = 0.0044) and Verbal Fluency Test (T3: p = 0.0331), indicating the efficacy of CCT on verbal memory in the elderly lung transplant recipients. Although varied impacts were observed on different cognitive domains, it seems promising to use CCT on the elderly population after lung transplantation.
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20
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Redick TS, Wiemers EA, Engle RW. The role of proactive interference in working memory training and transfer. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 84:1635-1654. [PMID: 30953133 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent work on working memory training has produced conflicting results regarding the degree and generality of transfer to other cognitive processes. However, few studies have investigated possible mechanisms underlying transfer. The current study was designed to test the role of proactive interference in working memory training and transfer. Eighty-six young adults participated in a pretest-posttest design, with ten training sessions in between. In the two working memory training conditions, subjects performed an operation span task, with one condition requiring recall of letters on every trial (operation-letters), whereas the other condition alternated between letters, digits, and words as the to-be-remembered items across trials (operation-mix). These groups were compared to an active-control group (visual-search). Working memory, verbal fluency, and reading comprehension measures were administered in pretest and posttest sessions. All groups significantly increased their performance over the ten training sessions. There was evidence of strategy-specific benefits on transfer, such that transfer to working memory measures was higher for the operation-letters group on tasks specifically involving letters, and no differential transfer to working memory tests without letters, to verbal fluency, or to reading comprehension. The results indicate that proactive interference does not appear to play a causal role in determining transfer from working memory training, and instead a strategy account based on stimulus content provides a more parsimonious explanation for the pattern of training and transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Redick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Wiemers
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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21
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Gates NJ, Rutjes AWS, Di Nisio M, Karim S, Chong L, March E, Martínez G, Vernooij RWM. Computerised cognitive training for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012277. [PMID: 30864187 PMCID: PMC6414816 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012277.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing age is associated with a natural decline in cognitive function and is also the greatest risk factor for dementia. Cognitive decline and dementia are significant threats to independence and quality of life in older adults. Therefore, identifying interventions that help to maintain cognitive function in older adults or to reduce the risk of dementia is a research priority. Cognitive training uses repeated practice on standardised exercises targeting one or more cognitive domains and is intended to maintain optimum cognitive function. This review examines the effect of computerised cognitive training interventions lasting at least 12 weeks on the cognitive function of healthy adults aged 65 or older. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of computerised cognitive training interventions lasting at least 12 weeks for the maintenance or improvement of cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life. SEARCH METHODS We searched to 31 March 2018 in ALOIS (www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/alois) and performed additional searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO Portal/ICTRP (www.apps.who.int/trialsearch) to ensure that the search was as comprehensive and as up-to-date as possible, to identify published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, published or unpublished, reported in any language. Participants were cognitively healthy people, and at least 80% of the study population had to be aged 65 or older. Experimental interventions adhered to the following criteria: intervention was any form of interactive computerised cognitive intervention - including computer exercises, computer games, mobile devices, gaming console, and virtual reality - that involved repeated practice on standardised exercises of specified cognitive domain(s) for the purpose of enhancing cognitive function; duration of the intervention was at least 12 weeks; cognitive outcomes were measured; and cognitive training interventions were compared with active or inactive control interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed preliminary screening of search results using a 'crowdsourcing' method to identify RCTs. At least two review authors working independently screened the remaining citations against inclusion criteria. At least two review authors also independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included RCTs. Where appropriate, we synthesised data in random-effect meta-analyses, comparing computerised cognitive training (CCT) separately with active and inactive controls. We expressed treatment effects as standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used GRADE methods to describe the overall quality of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We identified eight RCTs with a total of 1183 participants. Researchers provided interventions over 12 to 26 weeks; in five trials, the duration of intervention was 12 or 13 weeks. The included studies had a moderate risk of bias. Review authors noted a lot of inconsistency between trial results. The overall quality of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes.We compared CCT first against active control interventions, such as watching educational videos. Because of the very low quality of the evidence, we were unable to determine any effect of CCT on our primary outcome of global cognitive function or on secondary outcomes of episodic memory, speed of processing, executive function, and working memory.We also compared CCT versus inactive control (no interventions). Negative SMDs favour CCT over control. We found no studies on our primary outcome of global cognitive function. In terms of our secondary outcomes, trial results suggest slight improvement in episodic memory (mean difference (MD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.73 to -0.07; 150 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence) and no effect on executive function (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.15; 292 participants; 2 studies; low-quality evidence), working memory (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.27; 60 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence), or verbal fluency (MD -0.11, 95% CI -1.58 to 1.36; 150 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). We could not determine any effects on speed of processing at trial endpoints because the evidence was of very low quality.We found no evidence on quality of life, activities of daily living, or adverse effects in either comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found little evidence from the included studies to suggest that 12 or more weeks of CCT improves cognition in healthy older adults. However, our limited confidence in the results reflects the overall quality of the evidence. Inconsistency between trials was a major limitation. In five of the eight trials, the duration of intervention was just three months. The possibility that longer periods of training could be beneficial remains to be more fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Gates
- University of New South WalesCentre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA)Suite 407 185 Elizabeth StreetSydneyNSWAustralia2000
| | - Anne WS Rutjes
- University of BernInstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)Mittelstrasse 43BernBernSwitzerland3012
- University of BernInstitute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)Mittelstrasse 43BernBernSwitzerland3012
| | - Marcello Di Nisio
- University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti‐PescaraDepartment of Medicine and Ageing SciencesVia dei Vestini 31Chieti ScaloItaly66013
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation TrustPsychiatrySceptre Point, Sceptre WayPrestonUKPR5 6AW
| | | | - Evrim March
- St Vincent's Hospital (Melbourne)St Vincent's Adult Mental Health46 Nicholson StreetFitzroyVICAustralia3065
| | - Gabriel Martínez
- Universidad de AntofagastaFaculty of Medicine and DentistryAvenida Argentina 2000AntofagastaChile127001
| | - Robin WM Vernooij
- Iberoamerican Cochrane CentreC/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain08025
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22
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Gates NJ, Rutjes AWS, Di Nisio M, Karim S, Chong L, March E, Martínez G, Vernooij RWM. Computerised cognitive training for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in midlife. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012278. [PMID: 30864746 PMCID: PMC6415131 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012278.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normal aging is associated with changes in cognitive function that are non-pathological and are not necessarily indicative of future neurocognitive disease. Low cognitive and brain reserve and limited cognitive stimulation are associated with increased risk of dementia. Emerging evidence now suggests that subtle cognitive changes, detectable years before criteria for mild cognitive impairment are met, may be predictive of future dementia. Important for intervention and reduction in disease risk, research also suggests that engaging in stimulating mental activity throughout adulthood builds cognitive and brain reserve and reduces dementia risk. Therefore, midlife (defined here as 40 to 65 years) may be a suitable time to introduce cognitive interventions for maintaining cognitive function and, in the longer term, possibly preventing or delaying the onset of clinical dementia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of computerised cognitive training interventions lasting at least 12 weeks for maintaining or improving cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in midlife. SEARCH METHODS We searched up to 31 March 2018 in ALOIS (www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/alois), the specialised register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG). We ran additional searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO Portal/ICTRP at www.apps.who.int/trialsearch, to ensure that the search was as comprehensive and as up-to-date as possible, to identify published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, published or unpublished, reported in any language. Participants were cognitively healthy people between 40 and 65 years of age (80% of study population within this age range). Experimental interventions adhered to the following criteria: intervention was any form of interactive computerised cognitive intervention - including computer exercises, computer games, mobile devices, gaming console, and virtual reality - that involved repeated practice on standardised exercises of specified cognitive domain(s) for the purpose of enhancing cognitive function; duration of the intervention was at least 12 weeks; cognitive outcomes were measured; and cognitive training interventions were compared with active or inactive control interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For preliminary screening of search results, we used a 'crowd' method to identify RCTs. At least two review authors working independently screened remaining citations against inclusion criteria; independently extracted data; and assessed the quality of the included trial, using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. We used GRADE to describe the overall quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We identified one eligible study that examined the effect of computerised cognitive training (CCT) in 6742 participants over 50 years of age, with training and follow-up duration of six months. We considered the study to be at high risk of attrition bias and the overall quality of the evidence to be low.Researchers provided no data on our primary outcome. Results indicate that there may be a small advantage for the CCT group for executive function (mean difference (MD) -1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.85 to -1.29; participants = 3994; low-quality evidence) and a very small advantage for the control group for working memory (MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.15; participants = 5831; low-quality evidence). The intervention may have had little or no effect on episodic memory (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.04; participants = 3090; low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low-quality evidence from only one study. We are unable to determine whether computerised cognitive training is effective in maintaining global cognitive function among healthy adults in midlife. We strongly recommend that high-quality studies be undertaken to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive training in midlife, using interventions that last long enough that they may have enduring effects on cognitive and brain reserve, and with investigators following up long enough to assess effects on clinically important outcomes in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Gates
- University of New South WalesCentre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA)Suite 407 185 Elizabeth StreetSydneyAustralia2000
| | | | - Marcello Di Nisio
- University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti‐PescaraDepartment of Medicine and Ageing SciencesVia dei Vestini 31Chieti ScaloItaly66013
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation TrustPsychiatrySceptre Point, Sceptre WayPrestonUKPR5 6AW
| | | | - Evrim March
- St Vincent's Hospital (Melbourne)St Vincent's Adult Mental Health46 Nicholson StreetFitzroyAustralia3065
| | - Gabriel Martínez
- Universidad de AntofagastaFaculty of Medicine and DentistryAvenida Argentina 2000AntofagastaChile127001
| | - Robin WM Vernooij
- Iberoamerican Cochrane CentreC/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167BarcelonaSpain08025
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23
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Gates NJ, Vernooij RWM, Di Nisio M, Karim S, March E, Martínez G, Rutjes AWS. Computerised cognitive training for preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012279. [PMID: 30864747 PMCID: PMC6415132 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012279.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people living with dementia is increasing rapidly. Clinical dementia does not develop suddenly, but rather is preceded by a period of cognitive decline beyond normal age-related change. People at this intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and clinical dementia are often described as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considerable research and clinical efforts have been directed toward finding disease-modifying interventions that may prevent or delay progression from MCI to clinical dementia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of at least 12 weeks of computerised cognitive training (CCT) on maintaining or improving cognitive function and preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment. SEARCH METHODS We searched to 31 May 2018 in ALOIS (www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/alois) and ran additional searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO portal/ICTRP (www.apps.who.int/trialsearch) to identify published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in which cognitive training via interactive computerised technology was compared with an active or inactive control intervention. Experimental computerised cognitive training (CCT) interventions had to adhere to the following criteria: minimum intervention duration of 12 weeks; any form of interactive computerised cognitive training, including computer exercises, computer games, mobile devices, gaming console, and virtual reality. Participants were adults with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), or otherwise at high risk of cognitive decline. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias of the included RCTs. We expressed treatment effects as mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes and as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes. We used the GRADE approach to describe the overall quality of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS Eight RCTs with a total of 660 participants met review inclusion criteria. Duration of the included trials varied from 12 weeks to 18 months. Only one trial used an inactive control. Most studies were at unclear or high risk of bias in several domains. Overall, our ability to draw conclusions was hampered by very low-quality evidence. Almost all results were very imprecise; there were also problems related to risk of bias, inconsistency between trials, and indirectness of the evidence.No trial provided data on incident dementia. For comparisons of CCT with both active and inactive controls, the quality of evidence on our other primary outcome of global cognitive function immediately after the intervention period was very low. Therefore, we were unable to draw any conclusions about this outcome.Due to very low quality of evidence, we were also unable to determine whether there was any effect of CCT compared to active control on our secondary outcomes of episodic memory, working memory, executive function, depression, functional performance, and mortality. We found low-quality evidence suggesting that there is probably no effect on speed of processing (SMD 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.16 to 0.56; 2 studies; 119 participants), verbal fluency (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.76 to 0.44; 3 studies; 150 participants), or quality of life (mean difference (MD) 0.40, 95% CI -1.85 to 2.65; 1 study; 19 participants).When CCT was compared with inactive control, we obtained data on five secondary outcomes, including episodic memory, executive function, verbal fluency, depression, and functional performance. We found very low-quality evidence; therefore, we were unable to draw any conclusions about these outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently available evidence does not allow us to determine whether or not computerised cognitive training will prevent clinical dementia or improve or maintain cognitive function in those who already have evidence of cognitive impairment. Small numbers of trials, small samples, risk of bias, inconsistency between trials, and highly imprecise results mean that it is not possible to derive any implications for clinical practice, despite some observed large effect sizes from individual studies. Direct adverse events are unlikely to occur, although the time and sometimes the money involved in computerised cognitive training programmes may represent significant burdens. Further research is necessary and should concentrate on improving methodological rigour, selecting suitable outcomes measures, and assessing generalisability and persistence of any effects. Trials with long-term follow-up are needed to determine the potential of this intervention to reduce the risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Gates
- University of New South WalesCentre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA)Suite 407 185 Elizabeth StreetSydneyAustralia2000
| | - Robin WM Vernooij
- Iberoamerican Cochrane CentreC/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167BarcelonaSpain08025
| | - Marcello Di Nisio
- University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti‐PescaraDepartment of Medicine and Ageing SciencesVia dei Vestini 31Chieti ScaloItaly66013
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation TrustPsychiatrySceptre Point, Sceptre WayPrestonUKPR5 6AW
| | - Evrim March
- St Vincent's Hospital (Melbourne)St Vincent's Adult Mental Health46 Nicholson StreetFitzroyAustralia3065
| | - Gabriel Martínez
- Universidad de AntofagastaFaculty of Medicine and DentistryAvenida Argentina 2000AntofagastaChile127001
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24
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López-Higes R, Prados JM, Rubio-Valdehita S, Rodríguez-Rojo I, de Frutos-Lucas J, Montenegro M, Montejo P, Prada D, Losada MLD. Factors Explaining Language Performance After Training in Elders With and Without Subjective Cognitive Decline. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:264. [PMID: 30233353 PMCID: PMC6129583 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study explores if cognitive reserve, executive functions, and working memory capacity are predictive of performance in the language domain (specifically in sentence comprehension and naming) after a cognitive training intervention. Sixty-six Spanish older adults voluntarily participated in the study, classified either as older adults with subjective cognitive decline according to Jessen et al.’s (2014) criteria (n = 35; 70.94 ± 4.16 years old) or cognitively intact (n = 31; 71.34 ± 4.96 years old). Written sentence comprehension and visual confrontation naming were assessed both immediately after recruitment (at the baseline), and then 6 months later, once each participant had completed his/her cognitive training (a well-known program in Spain, called UMAM; English translation: Madrid City Council Memory Unit Program). Cognitive reserve, executive functions (cognitive flexibility and controlled interference efficiency), and working memory capacity were measured for all participants at the baseline. Results pointed out that the subjective cognitive decline group presented greater benefits in the language domain than cognitively intact participants. We also observed that lower executive functioning and working memory capacity at the baseline predicted larger benefits in language performance after training, but only in the group of cognitively intact older adults. However, selected predictors hardly explained subjective cognitive decline participants’ results in language performance after training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón López-Higes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Prados
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Rodríguez-Rojo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center of Biomedical Technology, Polytechnical University - Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaisalmer de Frutos-Lucas
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center of Biomedical Technology, Polytechnical University - Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Montejo
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Prada
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María L D Losada
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Fellman D, Salmi J, Ritakallio L, Ellfolk U, Rinne JO, Laine M. Training working memory updating in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled trial. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2018; 30:673-708. [PMID: 29968519 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2018.1489860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Frontostriatal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) increases the risk for working memory (WM) impairment and depression, calling for counteractive measures. Computerised cognitive rehabilitation is a promising option, but targeted training protocols are lacking and lab-based training can be demanding due to the repeated visits. This study tested the feasibility and efficacy of home-based computerised training targeting mainly WM updating in PD. Fifty-two cognitively well-preserved PD patients were randomised to a WM training group and an active control group for five weeks of training (three 30-min sessions per week). WM training included three computerised adaptive WM tasks (two updating, one maintenance). The outcomes were examined pre- and post-training with trained and untrained WM tasks, tasks tapping other cognitive domains, and self-ratings of executive functioning and depression. Home-based training was feasible for the patients. The training group improved particularly on the updating training tasks, and showed posttest improvement on untrained WM tasks structurally similar to the trained ones. Moreover, their depression scores decreased compared to the controls. Our study indicates that patients with mild-to-moderate PD can self-administer home-based computerised WM training, and that they yield a similar transfer pattern to untrained WM tasks as has been observed in healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fellman
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Salmi
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Ulla Ellfolk
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Expert Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha O Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Laine
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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26
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Martin CO, Pontbriand-Drolet S, Daoust V, Yamga E, Amiri M, Hübner LC, Ska B. Narrative Discourse in Young and Older Adults: Behavioral and NIRS Analyses. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:69. [PMID: 29615892 PMCID: PMC5864853 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Discourse comprehension is at the core of communication capabilities, making it an important component of elderly populations' quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in discourse comprehension and the underlying brain activity. Thirty-six participants read short stories and answered related probes in three conditions: micropropositions, macropropositions and situation models. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the variation in oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) concentrations was assessed throughout the task. The results revealed that the older adults performed with equivalent accuracy to the young ones at the macroproposition level of discourse comprehension, but were less accurate at the microproposition and situation model levels. Similar to what is described in the compensation-related utilization of neural circuits hypothesis (CRUNCH) model, older participants tended to have greater activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex while reading in all conditions. Although it did not enable them to perform similarly to younger participants in all conditions, this over-activation could be interpreted as a compensation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles-Olivier Martin
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Pontbriand-Drolet
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Daoust
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Yamga
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mahnoush Amiri
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Génie Biomédical, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lilian C Hübner
- Departamento de Linguistica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bernadette Ska
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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