title: Cognitive function in elderly can be ameliorated by training in temporal information processing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study offers a promising direction for rehabilitation, as for the first time cognitive benefits of training in temporal information processing (TIP) using Fast ForWord were identified in elderly adults. As TIP creates a fundamental basis for human cognition, we focussed on two questions: (1) can TIP be improved by Fast ForWord training? (2) can a transfer of the trained skill from the time domain to the untrained cognitive domain be observed after the training?
  
  
  METHODS
  30 healthy seniors were classified according to three groups which underwent either temporal Fast ForWord training (Group A) or non-temporal control training (Group B). Group C was comprised of non-active controls. Various cognitive functions, i.e., TIP, as well as some aspects of attention and short-term memory, were compared before and after the training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only for Group A was the improved TIP accompanied by amelioration of both attentional and memory resources. The observed improvements were maintained for up to 18 months. Although in Group B some improvements in TIP were also evidenced after the training, significant improvements were observed neither in Group B nor C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Temporal training is effective for amelioration of cognitive function in seniors. Its application may foster improved life quality in increasingly aging societies.
authors: Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland. e.szelag@nencki.gov.pl
authors: Elzbieta
authors: E
authors: Szelag
authors: Justyna
authors: J
authors: Skolimowska
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology