Perceptual-Cognitive Training Can Improve Cognition in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Introduction: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults are an early risk indicator for Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, making older adults with SCD a target population for proactive interventions. The aim of this study was to determine if perceptual-cognitive training (PCT) can serve as a proactive intervention and enhance cognition in older adults with SCD.Method: Forty-seven subjects aged 60-90 years of age were assigned to control and treatment groups using a randomised controlled trial. All the participants were asked to complete three neuropsychological assessments over a three-month period. The first assessment was prior to the PCT (T1). The second assessment (T2) was performed immediately after either seven weeks of PCT (treatment group), or after seven weeks of no training (control group). Four weeks after the completion of the PCT, a third assessment (T3) was performed to determine the veracity and persistence of any PCT benefits on cognitive performance. Results:The results indicate a significant difference between groups at T1 and T2, wherein the treatment group has improved scores in memory tasks (e.g., CVLT-II: Immediate Free Recall; Short-Term Memory Recall, and Long-Term Memory Recall), working memory task (e.g., Digit Span Backward) and cognitive flexibility task (e.g., D-KEFS Verbal Fluency Category Switching and D-KEFS Verbal Fluency Letter Fluency). Within the treatment group the PCT scores of the last session were also significantly correlated with processing speed and cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, higher scores in memory performance were related to faster processing speeds. Conclusion:These data suggest that PCT may serve as a proactive intervention to enhance memory, working memory and cognitive flexibility in older adults with SCD.

A Protocol for Remote Cognitive Training Developed for Use in Clinical Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Further, longitudinal multi-level modeling demonstrated no difference in performance trajectory between groups, and average scores from both groups followed a logarithmic progression, as observed in previous research. 12 , 13 …”

“… 8–10 Specifically, using the NeuroTracker software, researchers observe cognitive improvements in population samples that include healthy young adults, 11 healthy older adults, 12 and older adults with subjective memory decline. 13 Ongoing research suggests that 3D-MOT is also a promising therapeutic and cognitive training tool for brain injury survivors. 14 , 15 In a push for better telehealth options, the manufacturer of NeuroTracker released an at-home version of the cognitive training tool called NeuroTrackerX.…”