Feasibility of using a computer-assisted working memory training program for healthy older women

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Age-associated cognitive impairment is a growing concern.
• Working memory (WM) plays a crucial role in cognitive function.
• Interventions to enhance WM in older adults are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of a WM training program.
• To investigate the effects of N-back and memory strategy enhancement on cognitive performance.
• To evaluate the impact on visuospatial and verbal WM in older female adults.

Main Methods:

• Participants: Older women (Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥ 26).
• Intervention: Experimental group received WM training (N-back, memory strategies); Control group received general health education and cellphone training.
• Assessment: Corsi Block Task and Digit Span Task administered pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in both visuospatial and verbal working memory.
• Compared to the control group, the WM training group showed greater cognitive gains.
• Results indicate positive effects of targeted cognitive training on older adults' WM.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training is a feasible and effective intervention for older adults.
• The findings support the concept of brain plasticity in the elderly population.
• Further research into WM training for cognitive enhancement in aging is warranted.