Effects of Multifaceted cognitive training for Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a multifaceted cognitive training program designed to train a broad range of cognitive functions in healthy older adults. The primary outcome was standardized composite variables of executive function, learning/memory, verbal fluency, motor speed, information processing speed, and overall cognitive function. Additionally, selfreport measures of depression and cognitive failures were used to assess affective and functional changes following training. Participants improved on measures of executive function, learning/memory, verbal fluency, motor speed and overall cognitive function. Cognitive gains remained significant after the three month no contact interval (p < .001). There was no significant reduction in self reported cognitive failures or depression following the program. The results indicate that healthy older adults may benefit from a multifaceted approach to cognitive training. These findings support previous studies that have shown the benefit of cognitive training on mental abilities in older adults.