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Assessment of Audio-Tactile Sensory Substitution Training in Participants with Profound Deafness Using the Event-Related Potential Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
Using neuroplasticity-based auditory training to improve verbal memory in schizophrenia.
Melissa Fisher1, Christine Holland, Michael M Merzenich
1Department of Psychiatry, UCSF/SFVAMC, Mail Code 116C, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 19, 2009
Summary
Computerized auditory training significantly improved verbal memory and cognition in schizophrenia patients. This innovative approach targets early perceptual deficits, offering a promising avenue for enhancing functional outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Verbal memory impairment is a significant barrier to functional recovery in schizophrenia.
- Current treatments offer limited improvement for these cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an innovative auditory training program for verbal memory remediation in schizophrenia.
- To explore if principles of neuroplasticity can be applied to improve cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- 55 schizophrenia patients were randomized to 50 hours of computerized auditory training or a control group (computer games).
- Auditory training involved progressively challenging auditory-verbal working memory and learning tasks.
Main Results:
- Active training led to significant improvements in global cognition, verbal working memory, and verbal learning.
- Auditory training also improved auditory psychophysical performance, correlating with cognitive gains.
Conclusions:
- Intensive auditory and verbal learning training yields substantial cognitive benefits in schizophrenia.
- The training may enhance cognition by addressing early perceptual impairments and leveraging neuroplasticity through adaptive practice.
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01:01Neuroplasticity
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