COMPUTER-BASED WORKING MEMORY TRAINING IN OLDER PEOPLE

Background / Objectives Working memory is one of the cognitive functions that decline with older age. Therefore various computer-based programs for training of working memory and attention have been developed in recent years. Mostly they are aimed at children with attention deficits but gradually the programs are adapted for older population, and their effectiveness is tested. Methods This project was to find effectiveness of an adaptive n-back program with visually presented stimuli. The sample ( N = 65, age 65-75 years) was randomized in three groups: no-contact control group (n = 25), less training experimental group (n = 20) and more training experimental group (n = 20). They trained at home. The program registered all completed sessions. Results / Discussion An important finding was that older people are able of independent training through a computer-based program. Analyses showed a significant improvement of performance with especially strong effect of the first 10 training sessions. The transfer effects shall be analyzed. We also start another project growing upon this basis; aimed at training of people with mild cognitive impairment with monitoring of neurologic correlates of the training, in close co-operation with IKEM, through fMRI.