title: Benefits of computer-based memory and attention training in healthy older adults.
abstract: Multifactorial cognitive training programs have a positive effect on cognition in healthy older adults. Among the age-sensitive cognitive domains, episodic memory is the most affected. In the present study, we evaluated the benefits on episodic memory of a computer-based memory and attention training. We targeted consciously controlled processes at encoding and minimizing processing at retrieval, by using more familiarity than recollection during recognition. Such an approach emphasizes processing at encoding and prevents subjects from reinforcing their own errors. Results showed that the training improved recognition performances and induced near transfer to recall. The largest benefits, however, were for tasks with high mental load. Improvement in free recall depended on the modality to recall; semantic recall was improved but not spatial recall. In addition, a far transfer was also observed with better memory self-perception and self-esteem of the participants. Finally, at 6-month follow up, maintenance of benefits was observed only for semantic free recall. The challenge now is to corroborate far transfer by objective measures of everyday life executive functioning.
authors.affiliation: UMR 7260 CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, Neurosciences Intégratives and Adaptatives.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chambon
authors.affiliation: UMR 7260 CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, Neurosciences Intégratives and Adaptatives.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.affiliation: UMR 7260 CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, Neurosciences Intégratives and Adaptatives.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Romaiguere
authors.affiliation: UMR 7260 CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, Neurosciences Intégratives and Adaptatives.
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paban
authors.affiliation: UMR 7260 CNRS Aix-Marseille Université, Neurosciences Intégratives and Adaptatives.
authors.forename: Béatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alescio-Lautier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome