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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
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Pre-training working memory/information processing capabilities and brain atrophy limit the improving effects of
Sónia Félix Esbrí1, Alba Sebastián Tirado1, Maria Zaragoza Mezquita1
1Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.
Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical
|September 11, 2023
Summary
Computerized cognitive training benefits individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, improvements in working memory (WM) and information processing (IP) are linked to baseline cognitive function and gray matter volume.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Multiple Sclerosis Research
Background:
- Computerized cognitive training shows potential for enhancing working memory (WM) and information processing (IP) in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- Factors influencing the efficacy of WM/IP training in PwMS remain underexplored.
- Identifying predictors of treatment response is crucial for optimizing cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical and radiological characteristics associated with positive responses to WM/IP training in PwMS.
- To determine if baseline cognitive status and neuroimaging markers predict training outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 PwMS was assessed, categorized into WM/IP-impaired and WM/IP-preserved groups.
- Participants underwent a 10-day adaptive n-back training program.
- Neuropsychological and radiological assessments were conducted pre- and post-training, with correlational and regression analyses employed.
Main Results:
- All PwMS demonstrated WM/IP improvements post-training.
- PwMS with preserved baseline WM/IP function exhibited greater training gains and transfer effects.
- Positive treatment response correlated with higher baseline WM/IP capabilities and greater gray matter volume (GMVOL), particularly in the thalamus.
Conclusions:
- Restorative cognitive training can improve cognition in PwMS.
- The effectiveness of cognitive training is influenced by individual baseline WM/IP abilities and gray matter volume.
- Personalized approaches considering baseline status and neuroanatomical factors may enhance cognitive rehabilitation outcomes in MS.
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