Feasibility and efficacy of intensive cognitive training in early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract

Cognitive training may be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the effects are modest with little evidence of carryover. Prior studies included limited hours and low intensity of training. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of many hours of intensive cognitive training with adults in the early stages of AD. Twenty-one adults with very mild or mild AD participated in cognitive training for 10 days over 2 weeks with 4 to 5 hours of training each day. Participants significantly improved in practiced computer-based tasks including those involving working memory, sustained attention, and switching attention. Outcome measures that improved included the Mini-Mental State Examination, letter fluency, and 3 of 5 Trail-Making Tests. Gains in outcome measures were maintained at 2- and 4-month follow-up. Adults in early-stage AD can participate in intensive cognitive training and make modest gains in both practiced and unpracticed cognitive tasks.

• Authors: Saddam F Kanaan, Joan M McDowd, Yvonne Colgrove, Jeffery M Burns, Byron Gajewski, Patricia S Pohl
• Journal: American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen) Vol. 29 Issue 2 Pg. 150-8 (Mar 2014) ISSN: 1938-2731 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24667905 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alzheimer Disease (physiopathology, therapy)
• Attention (physiology)
• Cognition (physiology)
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Memory, Short-Term (physiology)
• Middle Aged
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Secondary Prevention
• Treatment Outcome