Computerized cognitive training during physical inactivity improves executive functioning in older adults. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marusic, Uros; Giordani, Bruno; Moffat, Scott D.; Petrič, Mojca; Dolenc, Petra; Pišot, Rado; Kavcic, Voyko
• Is Part Of: Aging, neuropsychology, and cognition. Volume 25:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Computerized spatial navigation training -- virtual maze navigation task -- transfer of learning -- bed rest immobilization -- aging; Aging -- Periodicals; Cognition in old age -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders in old age -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- periodicals; Neuropsychology -- periodicals; Cognition -- periodicals; Mental Disorders -- periodicals; Gerontology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; 155.67
• DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2016.1263724
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1382-5585

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The hippocampus is closely tied to spatial navigation, a central component in cognitive functioning, and critically involved in age-associated cognitive decline and dementia. This study evaluated a novel, cognitive computerized spatial navigation training (CSNT) program targeting the hippocampus, with expectation of mitigating possible cognitive decline with bed rest (BR). During a 14-day BR study with 16 healthy, older men (mean age = 60 ± 3, range = 55–65 years), half received CSNT for 12 days in 50-min sessions and half were controls (watching documentaries). This design uniquely controlled diet, sleep, and other personal and environmental activities. Although there were no cognitive declines in controls post-BR, CSNT participants demonstrated significant increases in executive/attention ability and processing speed, and continued spatial navigation testing showed improvement to 400 days post-BR. This intervention may prove useful to mitigate cognitive declines known to occur in long periods of immobilization and could have broader implications in protecting against age-related cognitive decline.