We aimed to describe behaviour change techniques (BCT) used in trials evaluating computerised cognitive training (CCT) in cognitively healthy older adults, and explore whether BCTs are associated with improved adherence and efficacy. The 90 papers included in a recent meta-analysis were reviewed for information about adherence and use of BCTs in accordance with the Behaviour Change Taxonomy. Studies using a specific BCT were compared with studies not using that BCT on efficacy (difference in Hedges’ g [Δg]) using three level meta-regression models and on median adherence using the Wilcoxon test. The median number of BCTs per study was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2–5). ‘Feedback on behaviour’ (if provided by a person; Δg = -0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.31;-0.07) and ‘non-specific reward’ (Δg = -0.19, CI = -0.34;-0.05) were associated with lower efficacy. Certain BCTs that involve personal contact may be beneficial, although none were statistically significantly associated with greater efficacy. The median percentage of adherence was 90% (IQR = 81–95). Adherence was higher in studies using the BCT ‘self-monitoring of behaviour’ and lower in studies using the BCT ‘graded tasks’ than studies not using these BCTs (p < 0.001). These findings provide first evidence that BCTs can influence both adherence to and efficacy of CCT programs in cognitively healthy older adults.

IntroductionAcoustic prepulse inhibition of the startle response (PPI) is a phenomenon characterized by the reduction in the startle reflex caused by the presence of weak and brief stimulus before an intense and sudden stimulus (pulse). These phenomena can be observed in several species, but in humans it is commonly measured by the eyeblink using electromyography. PPI works as an operational measure of sensorimotor gating, which is the ability to suppress motor responses for sensory stimulus. Healthy aging is marked by several changes in neural processing, like inhibitory functioning decline. In this line, PPI measure can be a potential biomarker for changes related to the aging process.MethodsIn this research we aim to investigate if PPI is reduced with aging and if this reduction would be associated with cognitive functioning of older adults. To this aim, we compared PPI levels of older adults (over 60 years old) with PPI levels of young adults (from 18 to 28 years old).ResultsWith that, we found, significantly lower PPI level (F[1,25] = 7.44 p = 0.01) and lower startle amplitude startle amplitude: (U = 26.000 p = 0.001) in older adults than in young adults. However, we did not find differences in levels of habituation (T = −1.1 p = 0.28) and correlation between PPI and cognition within the sample of healthy older adults.DiscussionOur results demonstrate that aging is a factor that affects PPI and that it does not seem to predict cognition, however, future studies should explore the potential of using PPI for monitoring cognitive changes associated with techniques such as cognitive training.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted people's lives, including social interactions, physical and mental health, and the use of technology. This impact may endure even after the vaccination, especially in more vulnerable populations such as older adults. Here, we measured the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We used a questionnaire comprising: living arrangements, physical health, information about the pandemic, behaviors adopted in the face of pandemic-related restrictions, financial situation, mental health, and changes in life activities. We primarily asked if the impact would be associated with demographics, cognition, depression/anxiety, and/or quality of life. Secondarily, we wondered whether the pandemic impact would differ between participants assessed before and after the vaccination. In cognitively healthy older adults, a higher pandemic impact was associated with worse cognitive performance and quality of life and increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. In older adults with MCI, higher pandemic impact was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Only healthy older adults had significantly lower pandemic impact scores after vaccination. We conclude that the perceived pandemic impact on older adults was associated with cognition, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Since the effect of vaccination on decreasing the perceived pandemic impact was not observed in older adults with MCI, interventions to reduce the pandemic impact on this population should be developed and recommended even after the vaccination.