Maintaining older brain functionality: A targeted review

Effectiveness of the “Kwido-Mementia” computerized cognitive stimulation programme in older adults

“…In this sense, this research contributes to clarify, in part, the controversy and contradictory results in the literature, supporting those works that defend the usefulness of cognitive stimulation programs based on new technologies for older adults 65 years old and over (Ballesteros, Kraft andTziraki, 2015 andSimons et al, 2016). In addition, this work demonstrates that such programs can be extremely effective when carried out at home and with minimal supervision online, which would mean a reduction in costs compared to classic training.…”

“…A way to conduct cognitive training programs is through new technologies. However, the effectiveness of the technologybased programs is not clear, and to date, research has shown contradictory results (see, Ballesteros, Kraft andTziraki, 2015 andSimons, et al, 2016). Actual studies associated with cognitive stimulation through technology in older people, show that the interventions are carried out in controlled environments, and that there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of such initiatives at home.…”

The Role of Physical Fitness in the Neurocognitive Performance of Task Switching in Older Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…This lack of consistency may be attributable to excess variation resulting from the differences in the participants' characteristics (aMCI group versus MCI and early dementia group) and age ranges (an average of 68.23 versus 78.8 years old) in the current and previous studies. Although the aMCI and control groups had comparable levels of social participation, the present and previous physical fitness test findings also suggested that if the progress of MCI is not prevented in a timely manner then elderly subjects with this condition would gradually show much poorer physical fitness with aging, and this would impair their complex activities of daily living, decrease social engagement, and lead to further age-related cognitive declines or even dementia [65].…”

Impact of Serious Games on Health and Well-being of Elderly: A Systematic Review

“…[45] stated that the definition of social engagement is close to the definition of social networks defined by [50] as "the set of people with whom an individual is directly involved". They suggest there are four major aspects of social networks particularly relevant for the older population: network structure and interaction, social exchange, social engagement, and subjective network perceptions.…”

“…Epidemiological studies have also found social relationships to be important in maintaining cognitive health and reducing mortality in old age [44]. The lack of social relationships on the other hand, contributes to pre-symptomatic dementia [45].…”