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Consumer-Based Brain Fitness Programs

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Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults

Abstract

We review the evidence relating to the value of consumer-friendly ­cognitive training programs for older adults. We discuss the scientific foundation of research on transfer of training. Transfer implies improving not just what is trained but other cognitive or functional activities not directly trained. We describe the behavioral and neuroscience findings suggesting the role of brain plasticity processes on transfer. We detail the results of the IMPACT study, a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial of a commercially available program that can be completed at home. Guidelines for selection of scientifically sound consumer-friendly programs are presented, highlighting what we consider important characteristics: input from scientific advisory panels, research testing transfer after use of the specific programs, including whether there is transfer in older adults, and where findings of tested programs are publicly disseminated. We discuss adherence issues in cognitive training, and conclude with a statement on the lack of evidence that consumer-friendly programs can delay or reverse dementia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Elizabeth M. Zelinski Ph.D.

  2. Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Sarah E. Dalton

  3. Mayo College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA

    Glenn E. Smith Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Elizabeth M. Zelinski Ph.D.
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  2. Sarah E. Dalton
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  3. Glenn E. Smith Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth M. Zelinski Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Healthy Aging, W. Main St. 265, Kent, 44240-2403, Ohio, USA

    Paula E. Hartman-Stein

  2. School of Medicine & Public Health, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, University of Wisconsin, Big Sky Drive 7818, Madison, 53719, Wisconsin, USA

    Asenath LaRue

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Zelinski, E.M., Dalton, S.E., Smith, G.E. (2011). Consumer-Based Brain Fitness Programs. In: Hartman-Stein, P., LaRue, A. (eds) Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0636-6

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