title: Making working memory work: a meta-analysis of executive-control and working memory training in older adults.
abstract: This meta-analysis examined the effects of process-based executive-function and working memory training (49 articles, 61 independent samples) in older adults (> 60 years). The interventions resulted in significant effects on performance on the trained task and near-transfer tasks; significant results were obtained for the net pretest-to-posttest gain relative to active and passive control groups and for the net effect at posttest relative to active and passive control groups. Far-transfer effects were smaller than near-transfer effects but were significant for the net pretest-to-posttest gain relative to passive control groups and for the net gain at posttest relative to both active and passive control groups. We detected marginally significant differences in training-induced improvements between working memory and executive-function training, but no differences between the training-induced improvements observed in older adults and younger adults, between the benefits associated with adaptive and nonadaptive training, or between the effects in active and passive control conditions. Gains did not vary with total training time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Science, Saarland University j.karbach@mx.uni-saarland.de.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Karbach
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Verhaeghen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D056344:Executive Function; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: cognitive aging; cognitive plasticity; executive-control training; meta-analysis; transfer of training; working memory training