Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
06:57
Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
3.7K
Does cognitive flexibility training enhance subjective mental functioning in healthy older adults?
Jessika I V Buitenweg1, Renate M Van De Ven1, K Richard Ridderinkhof1,2
1a Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
Summary
Computerized cognitive training did not improve subjective cognitive function in older adults. While some improvements were noted 4 weeks post-training, they were small and consistent across all groups, suggesting no specific benefit from the cognitive flexibility training program.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cognitive decline in older adults impacts socioemotional health and well-being.
- Existing cognitive training research often overlooks effects on subjective mental functioning.
- Understanding the impact of cognitive interventions on self-perceived cognitive abilities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of adaptive computerized cognitive flexibility training on subjective cognitive functioning in healthy older adults.
- To assess changes in subjective cognitive failures, executive dysfunctioning, everyday functioning, mood, and quality of life.
- To compare participant self-reports with proxy evaluations of cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with healthy older adults (60-80 years old).
- Three groups: frequent switching, infrequent switching, and active control.
- 12-week intervention with 58 half-hour sessions of computerized cognitive flexibility training.
Main Results:
- Subjective cognitive failures and executive dysfunctioning showed low-effect size improvements 4 weeks post-training across all groups.
- No significant changes in subjective reports were observed immediately after training.
- Proxies rated participants' cognitive function more favorably than participants did, both pre- and post-training.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence that computerized cognitive flexibility training improves subjective mental functioning in older adults.
- Observed improvements were minimal and not specific to the training intervention.
- Further research is warranted to explore factors influencing subjective performance in response to cognitive training.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
159
Bioavailability studies are essential for evaluating a drug's therapeutic efficacy and understanding its absorption patterns under various physiological conditions. Conducting such studies on target patient populations provides more relevant data by simulating real-world disease states. However, practical challenges often necessitate the use of young, healthy adult volunteers as study subjects.Patients may exhibit altered drug absorption patterns due to the effects of the disease itself,...
159
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
37.5K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
37.5K
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
3.8K
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
3.8K
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
2.1K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
2.1K
01:24Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
311
A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
311
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
640
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
640