Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Benefits in tasks related to everyday life competences after a working memory training in older adults
Alessandra Cantarella1, Erika Borella1, Barbara Carretti1
1Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Objective:
The impact of working memory (WM) training on everyday life functioning has rarely been examined, and it is not clear whether WM training gains are transferred to reasoning abilities. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a verbal WM training in older adults, in terms of specific gains and transfer effects to everyday life and reasoning abilities.
Method:
Thirty-six community dwelling older adults (from 65 to 75 years of age) were randomly assigned to a training or an active control group. The specific gains in a WM task similar to the one trained were assessed. Transfer effects to everyday life and reasoning abilities were also examined using (i) objective performance-based tasks (the Everyday Problem Test and the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale) and (ii) the Cattell test and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, respectively.
Results:
Only the trained group showed specific benefits and transfer effects to one of the everyday abilities measures (the Everyday Problem Test) and in the two reasoning tasks.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that WM training can positively impact cognitive functioning and, more importantly, older adults' abilities in everyday living. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Related Concept Videos
Working Memory
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Information Processing Approach
Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory

