Computerized cognitive training during physical inactivity improves executive functioning in older adults

Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2018 Jan;25(1):49-69. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2016.1263724. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

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.

Keywords: Computerized spatial navigation training; aging; bed rest immobilization; transfer of learning; virtual maze navigation task.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bed Rest*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / prevention & control*
  • Executive Function*
  • Generalization, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maze Learning
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Spatial Navigation*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted*
  • User-Computer Interface