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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
A program of exercise, brain training, and lecture to prevent cognitive decline
Minoru Kouzuki1, Toshiaki Kato2, Kenji Wada-Isoe3,4
1Department of Biological Regulation, School of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86, Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan.
Objective:
We examined the benefits of a community-based program combining physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits.
Methods:
This crossover open-label trial included 141 community-dwelling elderly people with suspected mild cognitive decline (MCD). Subjects were assigned to a 6-month intervention-first/6-month observation-second (INT-OBS) group or an OBS-INT group. The 6-month intervention consisted of 2 h of physical exercise, cognitive training, and classroom study or rest once weekly. Primary outcome was change in Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) score.
Results:
TDAS score improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period for all subjects (P < 0.05). Some physical functions also improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period in the OBS-INT group (P < 0.05).
Interpretation:
This community-based program improved both cognitive and physical function in elderly people with suspected MCD.
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