scholarly journals Computerized Cognitive Training by Healthy Older and Younger Adults: Age Comparisons of Overall Efficacy and Selective Effects on Cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole F. Ng ◽  
Allen M. Osman ◽  
Kelsey R. Kerlan ◽  
P. Murali Doraiswamy ◽  
Robert J. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Test Battery ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference

Among the non-pharmacological methods under development for maintaining cognitive function across the lifespan is computerized cognitive training (CCT). There has been considerable interest in using CCT to slow or remediate age-related cognitive decline, both normal and pathological. Toward these ends, it would be useful to know how the effects of CCT on cognitive function vary over the course of normal cognitive aging. Are there changes in either 1) the overall efficacy of CCT or 2) which cognitive faculties are affected? To address these two questions, we reanalyzed results from a large online study by Hardy et al. (1) of 4,715 adults between 18 and 80 that examined effects of CCT on both a neuropsychological test battery and self-reported ratings of cognition and affect in daily living. Combined across all participants, Hardy et al. found greater improvement on both types of assessment following 10 weeks of CCT with the commercial program Lumosity, as compared to practice with a control activity involving computerized crossword puzzles. The present study compared the size of these effects on the older (50–80) and younger (18–49) participants. To address the question of overall efficacy, we examined CCT effects (treatment minus control) on overall performance of the test battery and mean rating. No significant difference on either measure was found between the two age cohorts. To address the question of whether the same magnitude of overall effects on both age cohorts was due to equivalent effects on the same set of underlying cognitive functions, we examined the patterns of CCT effects across individual subtests and rated items. These patterns did not differ significantly between the two age cohorts. Our findings suggest that benefits from CCT can occur to a similar degree and in a similar way across an extended part of the adult lifespan. Moreover, the overall effects of CCT delivered over the internet were of the same small to medium size as those typically found in the lab or clinic. Besides improving access and reducing the cost of CCT for older adults, delivery over the internet makes long-term training more practicable, which could potentially yield larger benefits.

scholarly journals School Performance and Educational Attainment as Early-Life Predictors of Age-Related Memory Decline: Protective Influences in Later-Born Cohorts

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1357-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Pudas ◽  
Michael Rönnlund
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
School Performance ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Growth Curve Models ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Memory Change ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Objectives Evidence is accumulating that early-life characteristics and experiences contribute significantly to differences in cognitive aging. This study investigated whether school performance at age 12 predicted late-life level and rate of memory change over 15–25 years, and whether its potential protective influence on memory change was mediated by educational attainment or income. Methods Latent growth curve models were fitted to 15–25 year longitudinal memory data from a population-based sample, stratified on age cohorts (n = 227, born 1909–1935; n = 301, born 1938–1954). Results A latent-level school grade variable significantly predicted both memory level and slope in later-born cohorts. Higher grades were associated with higher level and reduced decline, measured between ages 45 and 70 years, on average. In the earlier-born cohorts, grades predicted memory level, but not slope, measured between ages 66 and 81 years. Follow-up analyses indicated that the protective influence of higher school grades in later-born cohorts was partially mediated by educational attainment, but independent of income. Discussion The results suggest that higher childhood school performance is protective against age-related cognitive decline in younger or later-born cohorts, for which further education has been more accessible. Education may exert such influence through increased cognitive reserve or more well-informed health- and lifestyle decisions.

scholarly journals The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Strategy Change ◽  
The Brain

Is it possible to enhance neural and cognitive function with cognitive training techniques? Can we delay age-related decline in cognitive function with interventions and stave off Alzheimer's disease? Does an aged brain really have the capacity to change in response to stimulation? In the present paper, we consider the neuroplasticity of the aging brain, that is, the brain's ability to increase capacity in response to sustained experience. We argue that, although there is some neural deterioration that occurs with age, the brain has the capacity to increase neural activity and develop neural scaffolding to regulate cognitive function. We suggest that increase in neural volume in response to cognitive training or experience is a clear indicator of change, but that changes in activation in response to cognitive training may be evidence of strategy change rather than indicative of neural plasticity. We note that the effect of cognitive training is surprisingly durable over time, but that the evidence that training effects transfer to other cognitive domains is relatively limited. We review evidence which suggests that engagement in an environment that requires sustained cognitive effort may facilitate cognitive function.

scholarly journals ОТДАЛЕННАЯ ПОСЛЕОПЕРАЦИОННАЯ КОГНИТИВНАЯ ДИСФУНКЦИЯ

World Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 50-53
Author(s):  
Дубовская С. С. ◽  
Товажнянская Е. Л. ◽  
Григоров Ю. Б. ◽  
Кудинова О. В. ◽  
Соловйова Е. Т.
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Word Memory Test ◽  
Word Memory ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Complete Restoration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Late Postoperative Period

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction develops in the early and persists in the late postoperative period. Clinically, this condition manifests itself in the form of memory impairment, violation of concentration and violation of other higher functions of the cerebral cortex. The aim of this study is to study cognitive function in patients who underwent surgery with the use of general anesthesia in a remote period in a month.According to the results of the MMSE test, in the middle-aged patients the dynamics of the deterioration of the cognitive function was observed to a lesser degree than in the young patients, which is probably related to the age-related features of the plasticity of the cognitive function. In patients of middle age, according to the results of the FAB scale, at this period of the study was at the same level as those in young patients, which is associated with the age specificity of the plasticity of the cognitive function. According to the test drawing hours, there was no significant difference in the recovery rate, it was gradual, but no complete restoration was observed. For the 10-word memory test and the Schulte trial, the recovery was gradual, with a full recovery of the indicator to the level before the operation.

The Application of the Rorschach Inkblot Test in the Study of Neural and Cognitive Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamonn Arble ◽  
Steven W. Steinert ◽  
Ana M. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Mirror Neuron ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Rorschach Inkblot Test ◽  
Cortical Regions ◽  
Inkblot Test ◽  
And Function

Abstract. The Rorschach Inkblot test has been adopted and adapted by many researchers to assess and predict different aspects of human experience and cognitive performance. The present review examines research that incorporates the Rorschach to evaluate neural and cognitive aging as well as decline in age-related disease. Specifically, differences in amygdala and cortical regions, as well as mirror neuron and asymmetrical hemisphere activity that correlate with specific responses to Rorschach stimuli are discussed in the context of typical changes in brain structure and function in the course of aging. In addition, the present review provides a proposed framework for expanding the use of the Rorschach to evaluate other domains of neural and cognitive function. The authors conclude that, despite a need for increased research, the Rorschach is a viable measure to evaluate certain aspects of cognitive function and decline throughout the lifespan.

Abstract MP88: Fetuin-A, a Vascular Biomarker of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail A Laughlin ◽  
Linda K McEvoy ◽  
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor ◽  
Lori B Daniels ◽  
Joachim H Ix
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fetuin A ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Age Related

Objectives: The contribution of vascular disease to neurocognitive decline is now widely recognized. Fetuin-A is an abundant plasma protein known to predict vascular disease. Prior studies have shown that fetuin-A levels are lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease in direct proportion to the severity of cognitive impairment; however, their association with normal cognitive aging is unknown. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin-A levels with cognitive function in relatively high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study. Methods: This is a population-based study of 1382 older adults (median age 75) who had plasma fetuin-A levels and cognitive function evaluated in 1992-96; 855 had repeat cognitive function assessment a median of 4 years later. Results: Adjusting for age, sex, education, and depression, higher levels of fetuin-A were associated with better baseline performance on the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) (P=0.012) and a tendency for better Trails Making B scores (P=0.066). In longitudinal analyses, the likelihood of a major decline (highest decile of change) in Trails B was 29% lower (P=0.010) for each SD higher baseline fetuin-A level; odds of major decline in MMSE was 42% lower (P=0.005) per SD higher fetuin-A for individuals with no known CVD, but were not related to fetuin-A in those with CVD (P=0.33). Fetuin-A was not related to Category Fluency performance. Results did not vary by sex and were not explained by numerous vascular risk factors and comorbidities. Conclusions: Higher plasma fetuin-A concentrations are associated with better performance on tests of global cognitive function and executive function and with reduced likelihood of major decline in these cognitive abilities over a 4-year period. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that higher fetuin-A protects against cognitive decline in relatively high functioning older adults, although this may be less apparent in those with established vascular disease. Fetuin-A may serve as a biological link between vascular disease and normal age-related cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Custom-Developed Computer Game to Improve Executive Functioning in 4- to 6-Year-Old Children Exposed to Alcohol in Utero: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/14489 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e14489
Author(s):  
Jacobus Gidion Louw ◽  
Leana Olivier ◽  
Sarah Skeen ◽  
Alastair van Heerden ◽  
Mark Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
South African ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
South African Context ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Resource Poor ◽  
African Context

Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common causes of preventable intellectual disability, and the key associated deficits are in executive function (EF). Aspects of EF can be improved using cognitive training interventions. The highest prevalence of FASD globally (at a rate of 135.1 per 1000) has been found in a South African population in the Western Cape province. There is a shortage of specialized health service personnel, and there are limited remedial services. Computer-based cognitive training, if age and culturally appropriate, could be an effective way to provide the interventions with minimal need for skilled personnel and other resources. The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research has developed such a program for the South African context. Objective This protocol aimed to evaluate whether it is feasible to use computerized cognitive training in a resource-poor context to improve cognitive function in children exposed to alcohol in utero. Methods We are conducting a randomized controlled trial in the Saldanha Bay Municipal area, evaluating a custom-developed cognitive training program to improve the cognitive function of children aged between 4 and 6 years who were exposed to alcohol in the prenatal stage. Participants will be recruited from local Early Childhood Development centers. Community workers will interview biological mothers to identify alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Alcohol-exposed children will be randomized into an intervention or a control group of 40 participants each using block randomization. A group of 40 children not exposed to alcohol will be included in a normative group using individual randomization. The intervention group will play the game for 6 months (40 sessions). Normative and control groups will receive no intervention. Neurodevelopmental assessments will be done at baseline and upon completion of the study with all participants. Results The intervention has started, and all baseline assessments have been done at the time of submission. Conclusions This study will provide insight into whether computerized cognitive training is viable and effective in the South African context. It has the potential to provide a means of intervention globally and in other resource-poor context and expand the knowledge base regarding executive functioning and FASD. This paper presents the research protocol and intervention design of the study. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN17244156; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17244156. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14489

scholarly journals CogEvo, a cognitive function balancer, is a sensitive and easy psychiatric test battery for age‐related cognitive decline

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadanobu Ichii ◽  
Takumi Nakamura ◽  
Takeshi Kawarabayashi ◽  
Masamitsu Takatama ◽  
Tetsuya Ohgami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Test Battery ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline
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