Public Health

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive training is a known method to enhance cognition in older adults at risk for dementia.
• Multifaceted interventions may offer greater cognitive benefits than standard training, especially for those with lower education levels.
• The ENGAGE program was developed to combine memory and attention training with stimulating leisure activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of the ENGAGE program in older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment.
• To evaluate the impact of a multifaceted intervention on cognitive function and memory strategy use.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled preference trial involving 128 participants across two sites.
• Participants were randomized to either the ENGAGE-MUSIC/SPANISH intervention or an active control (ENGAGE-DISCOVERY).
• A mixed linear model analyzed pre- and post-intervention changes in cognitive composite scores, everyday cognition, and memory strategy use.

Main Results:

• The ENGAGE program demonstrated significant improvements in attention composite scores and the use of memory strategies.
• A significant Intervention x Time interaction was observed for attention and memory strategy use.
• Secondary analyses indicated that Spanish learning had a greater positive effect on attention compared to music engagement.

Conclusions:

• The ENGAGE program effectively enhanced attention and the utilization of memory strategies in daily life.
• Combining leisure activities with formal cognitive training shows promise for mitigating cognitive decline and reducing dementia risk.
• Differential effects were noted between Spanish and Music components of the intervention.