Research has shown that keeping minds active has been linked to
weaker declines in cognitive abilities with aging. Hence, computer-based
cognitive training programs that facilitate intense, daily, cognitive
practice may help older adults to maintain and improve their cognitive
functioning. A paper in a recent issue of GeroPsych: The Journal of Gerontopsychology and Geriatric Psychiatry describes an
internet-based training environment for the elderly that includes tasks of perceptual
speed, episodic memory, and working memory. It was implemented as
platform-independent internet-based testing software and used in the
COGITO study to investigate intra-individual variability and plasticity
in 101 younger (age 20–31) and 103 older (age 65–80) adults across an
average of 100 daily practice sessions. Observations from this study and
retrospective self-report evaluations demonstrate the program’s
feasibility and acceptance among participants. The implications suggest a growing need for widespread availability of cognitive training programs to slow mental aging.
For the abstract.
For the abstract.
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