Efficacy of Cognitive Training Intervention Programs in Patients with Dementia

Rachel  Bieu; C. Charles Mate-Kole

Rachel Bieu Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, US
C. Charles Mate-Kole Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Ghana, Legon

Abstract

Cognitive training has emerged as a potentially efficacious intervention in treating the symptoms associated with dementia (Ball et al., 2002). The present study was designed to examine the efficacy of two cognitive training programs (1) an individualized computer-based program and (2) a program combining individualized computer-based training with group-based interactive training in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of dementia. Forty participants were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests at baseline (T1) and then following 12 week, 24 session cognitive training program (T2). Both programs yielded gains and declines in cognitive and behavioral functioning. Individuals completing the individualized computer-based program showed gains in visual memory, global cognitive functioning, and self-report of cognitive failures and decline in visual motor speed and coordination. Individuals completing the combined program showed significant improvement in abstract reasoning, spatial orientation, and self-report of cognitive failures and decline in visual motor speed and coordination, visual motor tracking, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Effectiveness appeared to vary with training program design. However, it appears that for both groups verbal tasks improved while timed visual motor tasks declined.