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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Preserving cognition through an integrated cognitive stimulation and training program
Margie Eckroth-Bucher1, James Siberski
1Department of Nursing, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815, USA. meckroth@bloomu.edu
Background:
Cognitive decline leads to disability and increased health care expenditures.
Methods:
Effectiveness of an intervention to stimulate multiple cognitive domains was determined using a format combining traditional and computer-based activities (Integrated Cognitive Stimulation and Training Program), 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Nonimpaired, mildly, and moderately-impaired participants > age 65 (n = 32) were randomly allocated into a control or experimental group. Using a repeated measures design participants were tested again postintervention and at 8 weeks follow-up.
Results:
Statistically significant improvement on Dementia Rating Scale scores occurred for mildly and moderately impaired treatment participants (n = 15). Statistical significance was demonstrated on subscales of the WMS-III: Logical Memory I and Logical Memory II.
Conclusion:
Blending computer-based with traditional cognitive stimulation activities shows promise in preserving cognitive function in elders. Future studies to explore efficacy in larger, more diverse samples are needed.
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