Attention–memory training yields behavioral and academic improvements in children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbid with a learning disorder

Abstract

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from computerized cognitive training. Therapy implementation is especially complicated when ADHD is associated with learning disorders (LDs). This study tested the efficacy of a computer-based cognitive training program, namely, computerized cognitive training (CCT), in children with ADHD comorbid with an LD (ADHD-LD), with or without psychostimulant medication.Materials and methodsAfter diagnostic evaluations, 27 children with ADHD-LD (8 unmedicated and 19 medicated) participated in CCT, which is intended to improve attention, memory, reasoning, visual processing, and executive functioning. The participants completed 24 1-hour sessions over 3 months. Neuropsychometric and standardized academic test results before and after training were compared to assess treatment efficacy. Shapiro–Wilk normality tests were applied, and subsequent Wilcoxon tests were used to identify significant differences in pre-versus post-training performance.ResultsAfter CAT, children diagnosed with ADHD-LD showed 1) improvements in trained skills, measured directly within the software and indirectly by external psychometric tests; 2) improvements in attention, memory, and some executive functioning; 3) improvements in academic performance, particularly in mathematics; and 4) reductions in maladaptive behavioral features.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that cognitive training programs should be explored further as potential adjunctive therapies to improve outcomes in children with ADHD-LD.

LearningRx Cognitive Training for Children and Adolescents Ages 5–18: Effects on Academic Skills, Behavior, and Cognition

“…More recently, a meta-analysis of cognitive training studies (Karch et al, 2013) revealed favorable effects on secondary measures of outcomes such as behavior, regardless of academic gains. In addition, Farias et al (2017) reported a reduction in both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems following cognitive training with Captain's Log for children with ADHD. Yet, there is extant research with opposing findings.…”

Suivi à long terme des effets d’un entraînement de la mémoire de travail (Cogmed) auprès d’enfants présentant un TDA/H

“…L'entrainement cognitif pourrait aussi cibler un spectre plus large de fonctions cognitives, notamment sur les plans attentionnel et exécutif (Dentz et al, 2016). Par exemple, le programme Captain's Log Software System comprend 36 exercices répartis en 50 programmes (Farias et al, 2017) et le programme ACTIVATE comprend six jeux ciblant la mémoire de travail, la vitesse de traitement de l'information, l'attention soutenue, l'attention divisée, le raisonnement et l'inhibition (Rosa et al, 2017). Ce type de programmes permettrait de tenir compte de l'hétérogénéité des profils cognitifs associés au TDA/H et d'offrir une prise en charge individualisée.…”

“…La prévalence mondiale du TDA/H est estimée à 5% des enfants d'âge scolaire, ce qui en fait un des troubles neurodéveloppementaux les plus fréquents (Polanczyk, Willcutt, Salum, Hieling et Rohde, 2014). Ce trouble persiste à l'âge adulte dans plus de 50% des cas (Biederman et al, 2006; (Elia, Ambrosini et Berrettini, 2008 ;Farias et al, 2017;Larson, Russ, Kahn et Halfon, 2011). Le TDA/H est aussi le trouble comorbide le plus commun dans le contexte d'un syndrome de Gilles de la Tourette (Rizzo, Gulisano, Calì et Curatolo, 2013).…”

“…De plus, plusieurs limites à l'interprétation des résultats ont été soulevées à travers différentes méta-analyses (Chacko et al, 2013;Dentz et al, 2016;McLauglin et al, 2016;Melby-Lervåg et Hulme, 2013;Shipstead et al, 2012;Rapport et al, 2013). (Farias et al, 2017), des conduites, de l'humeur (anxiété, dépression) ou du langage (Larson, Russ, Kahn et Halfon, 2011), le trouble d'opposition avec provocation (Elia, Ambrosini et Berrettini, 2008) et le syndrome de Gilles de la Tourette (Rizzo, Gulisano, Calì et Curatolo, 2013). Les divers déficits mis en évidence sur le plan cognitif, notamment en lien avec l'autorégulation comportementale/ émotionnelle (Sjöwall, Roth, Lindqvist et Thorell, 2013) et la mémoire de travail (MdT) (Karalunas et al, 2017), altèrent le fonctionnement quotidien et affectent le bien-être et l'estime de soi des individus qui en sont atteints (Sjöwall et Thorell, 2014;Wehmeier, Schacht et Barkley, 2010).…”

Systematic Review : The Effect of Intervention Rehabilitation “Computer-Based Cognitive Training Program” to Improve Cognitive Skills of Children with ADHD

“…In the form of a video game that includes a game of grouping objects, completing signs, remembering and arranging components (Rosa et al, 2017). The same aspect of research conducted by (Farias et al, 2017) The effect of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions on both aspects of attention and working memory, which consists of a combination program of Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, and neurofeedback training in children with AD / HD and subclinical AD / HD. After training, AD / HD symptom severity was reduced in AD / HD and subclinical groups based on interviews with parents (Johnstone et al, 2017).…”