Identifying training modalities to improve multitasking in older adults

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Attentional training formats vary, impacting efficacy for improving divided attention.
• The effectiveness of dual-tasking versus flexible attention priority training remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare the efficacy of different attentional training formats.
• Assess the transfer of training effects to distal cognitive measures.

Main Methods:

• Forty-two healthy older adults were randomized into single-task, fixed dual-task, or variable dual-task attentional training groups.
• Training involved visual detection and alphanumeric equation tasks under isolated or simultaneous conditions.
• Performance on trained tasks and transfer tasks (1-back, 2-back) was assessed post-training.

Main Results:

• All groups improved on individual tasks; only fixed and variable training improved divided attention.
• Variable training uniquely enhanced the capacity to modulate attentional priorities.
• Transfer to 1-back and 2-back tasks varied across training conditions, with variable and fixed showing benefits.

Conclusions:

• Attentional control in older adults is malleable and responsive to targeted training.
• The specific format of attentional training dictates its impact on divided attention and cognitive flexibility.
• Flexible attention priority training shows promise for enhancing adaptive attentional control in aging populations.