Researchers have hypothesized that learning a foreign language could be beneficial for seniors, as language learning requires the use of extensive neural networks. We developed and qualitatively evaluated an English training program for older French adults; our principal objective was to determine whether a program integrating technology is feasible for this population. We conducted a 4-month pilot study (16, 2-h sessions) with 14 French participants, (nine women, five men, average age 75). Questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention to measure cognitive level and subjective feelings of loneliness or social isolation; however, these scores did not improve significantly. Post-intervention, semi-directive interviews were carried out with participants, and a content/theme analysis was performed. Five main themes were identified from the interviews: Associations with school, attitudes toward English, motivation for learning English, attitudes toward the program’s organization, and social ties. The program was found to be feasible for this age group, yet perceived as quite difficult for participants who lacked experience with English. Nonetheless, most participants found the program to be stimulating and enjoyable. We discuss different suggestions for future programs and future directions for foreign-language learning as a therapeutic and cognitive intervention.
with no evidence of accumulation over 14 days. At the 560 mg dose, CSF levels of CT1812 correspond to estimated brain concentrations equivalent to 95% receptor occupancy. Conclusions: In healthy volunteers, CT1812 was well tolerated with single doses up to 1120 mg and with multiple doses up to 840 mg in healthy young volunteers and 560 mg in healthy elderly volunteers. Multiple dose exposure of CT1812 corresponded to more than 20x the expected minimum therapeutic dose while CSF analysis indicated that brain concentrations exceeded the minimum target expected to improve memory (>80% receptor occupancy). CT1812 is designed to directly test the oligomer hypothesis of AD treatment. Further development will test the ability of CT1812 to improve cognitive ability in AD patients.
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