title: Effect of a computerized brain exercise program on cognitive performance in older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research indicates an association between stimulating mental activities and better memory performance as people age, but studies on computerized mental stimulation programs are limited. We explored whether computerized brain training exercises improved cognitive performance in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  In local retirement communities, a convenience sample was randomized into an intervention group (N = 36), who used a computer program 5 days a week for 20-25 minutes each day, or a wait-list control group (N = 33). All were older adults without dementia (mean age: 81.8 years; SD: 6.1; 67% female). Neuropsychological testing was completed at baseline (Time 1), 2 months (Time 2), and 6 months (Time 3). Three cognitive domains (Immediate Memory, Delayed Memory, Language) were compared in the two groups as a function of time using mixed models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention group used the computerized program (Brain Fitness, Dakim Inc., Santa Monica, CA) for an average of 43 (SD: 4.4) sessions by Time 2 and 81 (SD: 37.5) sessions by Time 3. Mixed models examining cognitive domains as function of time revealed significant group differences in Delayed Memory (F(2,72) = 4.7, p = 0.01) but not Immediate Memory and Language; no significant improvements were noted for the control group. Among all participants, anyone playing at least 40 sessions over the 6 months improved in all three domains (Immediate Memory, Delayed Memory, and Language).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participating in a computerized brain exercise program over 6 months improves cognitive abilities in older adults. These results extend literature indicating the benefit of training exercises, whether in a classroom format or via a computerized self-paced program.
authors.affiliation: UCLA Longevity Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA. kmiller@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Richelin V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Dye
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Julia L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Prabha
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Siddarth
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D058245:Cognitive Reserve; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*