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.
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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