TY - JOUR
T1 - Early intervention for cognitive decline
T2 - Can cognitive training be used as a selective prevention technique?
AU - Mowszowski, Loren
AU - Batchelor, Jennifer
AU - Naismith, Sharon L.
PY - 2010/6/1
Y1 - 2010/6/1
N2 - Background: Cognitive training (CT) may be effective as a therapeutic strategy to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. This review evaluates CT as a preventive tool at various stages of a prevention hierarchy with specific reference to healthy older adults, at risk and clinical populations. It also considers the underlying mechanism of CT, namely that which suggests that CT acts via promoting neuroplasticity. Methods: Evidence for CT in healthy, at risk and clinical populations has been systematically reviewed elsewhere. This review re-examines several studies in each group to clarify the potential of CT as a preventive technique, with a key focus on the secondary level of prevention. Results: Studies in healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment are largely positive and suggest that CT has the potential to improve cognition. However, findings in relation to Alzheimer's disease are mixed. Limitations of existing research include diverse methodologies and CT programs, small samples, insufficient focus on functional outcomes, sustainability and generalization of effects and the need for imaging data to delineate mechanisms of change. Additionally, there is limited data on those with late-life depression, despite this being an independent risk factor for dementia. Conclusions: CT offers promise as a preventive therapeutic technique in healthy older adults and particularly as a secondary prevention method for at risk groups. Future investigations need to focus on methodological constraints and delineating possible neuroplastic mechanisms of action. Nonetheless, CT programs may represent a viable, non-pharmacological early intervention strategy, as they are easily-implemented, engaging and promote social interaction in group settings.
AB - Background: Cognitive training (CT) may be effective as a therapeutic strategy to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. This review evaluates CT as a preventive tool at various stages of a prevention hierarchy with specific reference to healthy older adults, at risk and clinical populations. It also considers the underlying mechanism of CT, namely that which suggests that CT acts via promoting neuroplasticity. Methods: Evidence for CT in healthy, at risk and clinical populations has been systematically reviewed elsewhere. This review re-examines several studies in each group to clarify the potential of CT as a preventive technique, with a key focus on the secondary level of prevention. Results: Studies in healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment are largely positive and suggest that CT has the potential to improve cognition. However, findings in relation to Alzheimer's disease are mixed. Limitations of existing research include diverse methodologies and CT programs, small samples, insufficient focus on functional outcomes, sustainability and generalization of effects and the need for imaging data to delineate mechanisms of change. Additionally, there is limited data on those with late-life depression, despite this being an independent risk factor for dementia. Conclusions: CT offers promise as a preventive therapeutic technique in healthy older adults and particularly as a secondary prevention method for at risk groups. Future investigations need to focus on methodological constraints and delineating possible neuroplastic mechanisms of action. Nonetheless, CT programs may represent a viable, non-pharmacological early intervention strategy, as they are easily-implemented, engaging and promote social interaction in group settings.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84943010207&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S1041610209991748
DO - 10.1017/S1041610209991748
M3 - Review article
C2 - 20170585
AN - SCOPUS:84943010207
SN - 1041-6102
VL - 22
SP - 537
EP - 548
JO - International Psychogeriatrics
JF - International Psychogeriatrics
IS - 4
ER -