Adaptive Cognitive Training in Healthy Older Adults

Cognitive training has emerged as a promising method to maintain, enhance, and rehabilitate cognitive function in older adults and individuals with dementia. In recent years, such training has become particularly appealing in the clinical context, with many paradigms aimed specifically at adults experiencing various stages of cognitive decline due to Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementias. However, basic questions remain. For example, uncertainty persists regarding factors that influence observed improvements as well as the conditions that would maximize transfer and sustainability of training effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate factors that may maximize the benefits of computerized cognitive training in older adults.

The study involves 25 sessions of an adaptive cognitive training program, completed over 5 weeks. Pre and post training assessments will evaluate any near and far transfer effects of training.

This survey aims to assess participant perceptions on cognitive training, and includes a series of related questions, rated on a scale of 1-7.

We will measure resting state as well as task-related EEG responses to determine the effects of cognitive training at the neural level.

Using a set of standard neuropsychological evaluations, we will measure changes in attention, memory, and executive function following cognitive training.

We will use standardized questionnaires to assess quality of life, in order to measure the influence of cognitive training on factors related to wellbeing.

Inclusion Criteria: English as the maternal or primary spoken language. Good self-reported health (i.e., no cerebro-, or cardio-vascular disease or neurological disease). Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing. Exclusion Criteria: Poor hearing or vision Inadequate understanding of the English language