A theatrical evidence-based cognitive intervention for older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-22
Author(s):  
Tony Noice ◽  
Helga Noice
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Learning ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Drama Therapy ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Data Comparison

This article describes a 35-year program devoted to determining the cognitive learning strategies of professional actors and then using those strategies to lower the risk factors for dementia in older adults. Details of a series of successful evidence-based theatrical interventions are provided along with the identification of areas in which our work directly overlaps drama therapy research. The methods involved in this endeavour include protocol analysis, behavioural testing and pre- and post-intervention data comparison. Most recently, these results have been verified by neuroscientists using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It is hoped that drama therapists will find elements of this program that will be applicable to their work with older adults.

scholarly journals How Multiple Retrievals Affect Neural Reactivation in Young and Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 1086-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie St-Laurent ◽  
Bradley R Buchsbaum
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Memory Representation ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Transformative Process ◽  
Repeated Retrieval

Abstract Objectives Aging can reduce the specificity with which memory episodes are represented as distributed patterns of brain activity. It remains unclear, however, whether repeated encoding and retrieval of stimuli modulate this decline. Memory repetition is thought to promote semanticization, a transformative process during which episodic memory becomes gradually decontextualized and abstracted. Because semantic memory is considered more resilient to aging than context-rich episodic memory, we hypothesized that repeated retrieval would affect cortical reinstatement differently in young versus older adults. Methods We reanalyzed data from young and older adults undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging while repeatedly viewing and recalling short videos. We derived trial-unique multivariate measures of similarity between video-specific brain activity patterns elicited at perception and at recall, which we compared between age groups at each repetition. Results With repetition, memory representation became gradually more distinct from perception in young adults, as reinstatement specificity converged downward toward levels observed in the older group. In older adults, alternative representations that were item-specific but orthogonal to patterns elicited at perception became more salient with repetition. Discussion Repetition transformed dominant patterns of memory representation away and orthogonally from perception in young and older adults, respectively. Although distinct, both changes are consistent with repetition-induced semanticization.

scholarly journals Changes in Brain Volume Resulting from Cognitive Intervention by Means of the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Program in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzvi Dwolatzky ◽  
Rafi S. Feuerstein ◽  
David Manor ◽  
Shlomit Cohen ◽  
Haim Devisheim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Voxel Based Morphometry ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Instrumental Enrichment

There is increasing interest in identifying biological and imaging markers for the early detection of neurocognitive decline. In addition, non-pharmacological strategies including physical exercise and cognitive interventions may be beneficial for those developing cognitive impairment. The Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) Program is a cognitive intervention based on Structural Cognitive Modifiability and the Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) and aims to promote problem-solving strategies and metacognitive abilities. The FIE program uses a variety of instruments to enhance the cognitive capacity of the individual as a result of mediation. A specific version of the FIE program was developed for the cognitive enhancement of older adults, focusing on strengthening orientation skills, categorization skills, deductive reasoning and memory. We performed a prospective interventional pilot observational study on older subjects with MCI who participated in 30 mediated FIE sessions (two sessions weekly for 15 weeks). Of the 21 subjects who completed the study, there was a significant improvement in memory on the Neurotrax battery comparing pre- and post-intervention scores (pre: M=95.3, SD=12.2, post: M=101.2, SD=7.9, p<.05). Complete sets of anatomical MRI data for voxel-based morphometry, taken at the beginning and the end of the study, were obtained from 16 participants (mean age 83.5 years). Voxel-based morphometry showed an unexpected increase in grey matter (GM) in the anterolateral occipital border and the middle cingulate cortex. These initial findings of our pilot study support the design of randomized trials to evaluate the effect of cognitive training using the FIE Program on brain volumes and cognitive function.

scholarly journals “Pisando Fuerte”: an evidence-based falls prevention program for Hispanic/Latinos older adults: results of an implementation trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mora Pinzon ◽  
Shannon Myers ◽  
Elizabeth A. Jacobs ◽  
Sherri Ohly ◽  
Militza Bonet-Vázquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Leader Training ◽  
Risk Scale

Abstract Background We previously developed Pisando Fuerte (PF), a linguistically and culturally appropriate version of “Stepping On”, an evidence-based fall prevention program building on self-efficacy and adult learning principles. The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of PF at two community organizations in Wisconsin. Methods PF consisted of 2 h sessions delivered in Spanish over the course of 8 weeks by two trained leaders, at two community sites in Wisconsin. Participants identified strategies for falls prevention and practiced progressive balance and strength exercises. The RE-AIM framework guided the mixed-methods evaluation. Falls Behavioral Risk Scale (FaB) (Outcomes), and uptake of protective behaviors (Individual Maintenance) were evaluated 6 months after completion. Fidelity of delivery (Implementation) was evaluated by an independent assessor for three sessions at each site using a-priori criteria based on key elements of Stepping On. Results Twenty-four Hispanic/Latino individuals, whose primary language is Spanish, were enrolled in two workshops. The mean age was 70.5 years; 71% were female, and five reported a fall in the year prior. Outcomes: There was a non-statically significant decrease in the number of falls per person [RR: 0.33 (95%CI: 0.096–1.13)] at 6 months. There was a statistically significant improvement of the mean Falls Behavioral Risk Scale (FaB) (baseline = 2.69 vs. 6-months post-intervention = 3.16, p < 0.001). Adoption: Barriers to adoption included leader training in English, time to identify Spanish-speaking guest experts, and time to prepare for each session. Implementation: Satisfactory fidelity of delivery was achieved in 69% of the elements; fidelity lapses were more common in the use of adult learning strategies and programmatic aspects. Eighty eight percent of participants completed the program, and 95% of them adequately demonstrated the exercises. Maintenance: At 6 months, 57.9% of participants continued doing exercises, 94% adopted safer walking strategies, and 67% executed at least one home safety recommendation. These results are similar to those seen in the original Stepping On program. Conclusions Our study shows good fidelity of delivery with implementation of “Pisando Fuerte”. Pre-post data demonstrate a significant reduction in falls behavioral risk among Hispanic/Latino participants, similar to results with “Stepping On”. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03895021. Registered March 29, 2019.

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