Efficacy of a computer-based cognitive training program in older people with subjective memory complaints: a randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of computer-assisted cognitive training in healthy older adults with subjective memory complaints.


METHODS
Forty older adults, mean age (standard deviation) = 66.4 (5.6) with subjective memory complaints, were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to an integrated psychostimulation program (IPP) (N = 17), a computerized cognitive training (CCT) (N = 12) or a control group (N = 11). The training was applied for 8 weeks (90 min/d, 4 d/week for IPP, and 60 min/d, 4 d/week for CCT). Effectiveness was evaluated with a neuropsychological assessment battery, used before and after the implementation of the cognitive training.


RESULTS
According to the data analysis, with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we found a statistically significant change in the majority of the cognitive variables measured before and after the experimental conditions compared with the control group. Although, according to a paired t-test, the IPP was more effective in the improvement of cognitive functioning in the participants. Additionally, a decrease in anxiety symptoms was observed after the cognitive intervention in IPP and CCT conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggested that cognitive training of moderate intensity, supported by a web platform, could lead to significant improvements in cognitive and psychological well-being in older people with subjective memory complaints.
a Institute of Neurosciences, Universidad El Bosque , Bogotá , Colombia.|c Laboratory of NeuroPsychiatric Genetics, School of Medicine , Universidad Antonio Nariño , Bogotá , Colombia.
Angela J
AJ
Pereira-Morales
b Department of Systems and Computing Engineering, MindLab Research Group , Universidad Nacional de Colombia , Bogotá , Colombia.
Andres F
AF
Cruz-Salinas
b Department of Systems and Computing Engineering, MindLab Research Group , Universidad Nacional de Colombia , Bogotá , Colombia.
Jairo
J
Aponte
a Institute of Neurosciences, Universidad El Bosque , Bogotá , Colombia.
Francisco
F
Pereira-Manrique
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000072466:Cognitive Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*
Memory; computerized cognitive training; psychology of aging; successful aging