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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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Which intellectual activities are related to cognitive reserve? Introduction and testing a three-dimensional model
Hossein Karsazi1, Tara Rezapour2, Atieh Sadat Mottaghi Ghamsari1
1Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, No.1 Kardan St., Al-E-Ahmad Exp., Chamran Exp., Tehran, Iran.
Psychological Research
|February 5, 2024
Summary
Engaging in novel and productive intellectual activities, such as writing, can help preserve memory function in older adults. These activities may act as a cognitive reserve, mitigating age-related memory decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- A common belief suggests mental activity reduces dementia risk, but specific beneficial activities remain unclear.
- Existing research lacks a clear framework for understanding how different intellectual activities impact cognitive reserve.
- A novel three-dimensional model categorizes intellectual activities by activation (active/passive), novelty (novel/familiar), and productivity (productive/receptive).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating effects of different types of intellectual activities on age-related memory decline.
- To test the hypothesis that active, novel, and productive activities serve as effective proxies for cognitive reserve.
- To evaluate the utility of a three-dimensional model in understanding intellectual engagement and cognitive health.
Main Methods:
- 237 participants over 50 years old (mean age 58.76) were recruited.
- Episodic, semantic, and working memory were assessed using computerized tests (Sepidar).
- Intellectual activities were self-reported and categorized into four types: passive/familiar/receptive (radio/TV), active/familiar/receptive (crosswords), active/novel/receptive (reading), and active/novel/productive (writing).
Main Results:
- Writing significantly moderated the effect of age on episodic and semantic memory.
- Reading moderated the effect of age on semantic memory.
- Passive activities like radio/TV and familiar activities like solving crosswords did not show a moderating effect on memory and age.
Conclusions:
- Intellectual activities differentially moderate age-related memory performance.
- High engagement in novel and productive activities is associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive impairment in older adults.
- The three-dimensional model offers valuable insights into the role of intellectual activities in cognitive reserve, especially for older populations.
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