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Efficacy of a computerized cognitive training application for older adults with and without memory impairments

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Abstract

Background/aims

It has been shown that cognitive training might help to protect against age-related cognitive decline. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a computerized cognitive training application and its near transfer effects on the cognitive status of older adults.

Methods

Performance on the 7-Minute Screen at baseline and at the end of the program was analyzed by using a pre-post design. Adults aged 55 and older (n = 101; mean age ± standard deviation: 68.97 ± 5.81 years) with and without memory impairments were trained.

Results

Significant improvements after the training program were found in memory, visuo-spatial and verbal fluency abilities, regardless of age, gender or education. Moreover, participants without significant memory impairments and those with Age-Associated Memory Impairment gained from the program more than subjects with mild cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Computerized cognitive training programs, such as Telecognitio®, may be used as a practical and valuable tool in clinic to improve cognitive status.

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Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank the staff of local community centers in A Coruña for providing us access to their elderly users, and the participants in the cognitive training program.

Conflict of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gerontology Research Group, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña, Campus de Oza, 15006, A Coruña, Spain

    Ana Maseda, José C. Millán-Calenti, Laura Lorenzo-López & Laura Núñez-Naveira

Authors
  1. Ana Maseda
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  2. José C. Millán-Calenti
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  3. Laura Lorenzo-López
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  4. Laura Núñez-Naveira
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to José C. Millán-Calenti.

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Maseda, A., Millán-Calenti, J.C., Lorenzo-López, L. et al. Efficacy of a computerized cognitive training application for older adults with and without memory impairments. Aging Clin Exp Res 25, 411–419 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-013-0070-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-013-0070-5

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