Use of Computer Assisted and Interactive Cognitive Training Programs with Moderate to Severely Demented Individuals: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effects of interactive cognitive training and computer-assisted programs in reducing decline in older adults with dementia. The primary goal of this program was to maintain participants’ level of cognitive function. The participants were assessed with neuropsychological tests prior to, and immediately following, an intensive six-week cognitive training program. The results showed that the participants improved significantly on measures of overall cognitive function, including short-term memory and cognitive failures. The participants did not demonstrate significant decline on any of the measures from pretest to post-test levels. This preliminary study indicates that a combined interactive cognitive training and individual-based computer training program may effectively reduce decline and even improve some cognitive and behavioral functioning in demented older adults.