Improved functioning following computerized working memory training (COGMED®) in euthymic patients with bipolar...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently associated with cognitive deficits, even during euthymic periods.
• These cognitive impairments significantly contribute to functional disability in BD patients.
• Current research explores interventions to mitigate these deficits and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of computerized working memory training (COGMED®) in improving global functioning, therapeutic compliance, and quality of life in BD patients.
• To assess the impact of working memory remediation on cognitive complaints and specific working memory components.
• To evaluate changes in subjective quality of life and medication adherence post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• A naturalistic, prospective study involving 40 patients with BD and cognitive complaints.
• Participants completed a 5-week, web-based COGMED® working memory training program with weekly phone support.
• Sociodemographic, clinical, neurocognitive, and functional data were collected at baseline and four weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in global functioning was observed post-training, evidenced by a reduction in the Functioning Assessment Short Test scores (p<0.001).
• Neuropsychological tests showed significant improvements in cognitive complaints, verbal, and visuospatial working memory (p<0.05).
• Subjective quality of life and therapeutic compliance did not show significant changes.

Conclusions:

• Computerized working memory remediation can effectively improve global functioning in patients with bipolar disorder.
• The intervention shows promise for enhancing specific cognitive functions related to working memory.
• Further research is needed to explore causality and broader impacts on quality of life and compliance.