Cognitive Exercise and Its Role in Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Converging lines of research indicate that complex mental activity is associated with reduced dementia risk. Thus, intense interest exists in whether different forms of cognitive exercise can help protect against cognitive decline and dementia. However, there is considerable confusion in terminology that is hindering progress in the field. We therefore introduce a concrete definition of cognitive training (CT) and make this the focus of our article. Clinical research that has evaluated CT in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia is then critically reviewed. Despite many methodological shortcomings, the overall findings indicate that multidomain CT has the potential to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and slow decline in affected individuals. Finally, practical issues, including the strengths and weaknesses of commercial products, are explored, and recommendations for further research and clinical implementation are made.

Computerized and Virtual Reality Cognitive Training for Individuals at High Risk of Cognitive Decline: Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Cognitive training (CT) involves standardised systematic training of mental tasks designed to optimise cognitive function (6,7). CT interventions were shaped by research exploring 'plasticity', which encompasses the latent cognitive potential of individuals driven and the capacity of the brain for reactive changes in cognitive flexibility (8,9).…”

Computerized Cognitive Training in Healthy Older Adults: Baseline Cognitive Level and Subjective Cognitive Concerns Predict Training Outcome

“…Another control group that only differs in the nature of the psychoeducational elements could further disentangle effects of the specifically targeted cognitive training intervention from psychoeducational effects. With regard to the fact that effects of specific cognitive training tasks in the programs cannot be derived, it is important to note that multidomain trainings rather than interventions focused on only one domain have been recommended for inducing lasting improvement in cognition in healthy older adults [5] [75] [76]. Fifth, no long term follow-up was performed in this study, as in many other cognitive training studies conducted with healthy older adults [4], which further limit the generalizability of our findings.…”

Memory and Cognitive Prevention Training for Typically Aging Seniors in a University Clinic Setting: A Feasibility Study

“…Various cognitive abilities that have been trained include processing speed, attention, reasoning, computation, and various executive functioning abilities and every day activities. The pros and cons of training single versus multiple domain areas in CT programs have been widely discussed [16,17]. Although the use of a multi-modal/sensory approach may facilitate various additive and synergistic training effects, a combination of techniques precludes any type of causal analysis between a specific CT activity and a cognitive change.…”

“…Although the use of a multi-modal/sensory approach may facilitate various additive and synergistic training effects, a combination of techniques precludes any type of causal analysis between a specific CT activity and a cognitive change. Based on a number of reports, training multiple cognitive domains, rather than a unimodal domain, has advantages in terms of increased training gains [17], better follow-up maintenance effects and training related increased in brain activity as indicated by neuroimaging studies.…”