[Cognitive training in psycho-organic syndromes].

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Elderly patients with organic cognitive impairments often experience deficits in cognition, memory, and affect.
• Hospital settings can lack sufficient cognitive stimulation for these patients.
• Maintaining existing mental capacity is crucial for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training on memory and attention in elderly female patients with organic cognitive abnormalities.
• To assess the impact of cognitive training on behavioral changes, including social behavior, mood, and volition.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 14 elderly female patients (mean age 82.3 years) with organic cognitive impairments.
• Intervention group received 15 days of cognitive training (9 days, 45 min each) focused on memory.
• Control group received sessions of non-specific attention.
• Memory, attention, and behavioral changes were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Patients who received cognitive training demonstrated significantly higher scores on training exercises and performance tests compared to controls.
• Cognitive training positively influenced social behavior, mood, and level of volition.
• The intervention group showed notable improvements in memory and attention metrics.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive training is a simple, effective, and socially important intervention for maintaining and improving mental capacity in elderly patients with organic cognitive impairments.
• This approach is highly beneficial within hospital settings to provide necessary cognitive stimulation.
• Cognitive training offers a valuable tool for enhancing overall well-being and function in geriatric patients.