Mowszowski, Loren, Hermens, Daniel F., Diamond, Keri, Norrie, Louisa, Cockayne, Nicole, Ward, Philip B., Hickie, Ian B., Lewis, Simon J. G., Batchelor, Jennifer, Naismith, Sharon L.

Background: With predicted increases in dementia incidence, interventions targeting neuroplasticity and neuroprotection are required. Cognitive Training (CT) is an intervention which has been shown to improve aspects of cognition, but the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to its efficacy are unknown. Objective:We aimed to explore the neurobiological correlates of CT using Mismatch Negativity (MMN), a neurophysiological marker […]

Miller, Karen J., Dye, Richelin V., Kim, Jeanne, Jennings, Julia L., O'Toole, Elizabeth, Wong, Julie, Siddarth, Prabha

Objectives: Research indicates an association between stimulating mental activities and better memory performance as people age, but studies on computerized mental stimulation programs are limited. We explored whether computerized brain training exercises improved cognitive performance in older adults.; Methods: In local retirement communities, a convenience sample was randomized into an intervention group (N = 36), […]

Low, Lee-Fay, Brodaty, Henry, Goodenough, Belinda, Spitzer, Peter, Bell, Jean-Paul, Fleming, Richard, Casey, Anne-Nicole, Liu, Zhixin, Chenoweth, Lynn

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether humour therapy reduces depression (primary outcome), agitation and behavioural disturbances and improves social engagement and quality-of-life in nursing home residents. DESIGN: The Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns study was a single-blind cluster randomised controlled trial of humour therapy. SETTING: 35 Sydney nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: All eligible residents within geographically […]

Kuo, Li-Min, Huang, Huei-Ling, Huang, Hsiu-Li, Liang, Jersey, Chiu, Yi-Chen, Chen, Sien-Tsong, Kwok, Yam-Ting, Hsu, Wen-Chuin, Shyu, Yea-Ing L.

Objectives: Little is known about the longitudinal effects of training programs on family caregivers’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms over time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a home-based caregiver training program on HRQoL and depressive symptoms for family caregivers of older persons with dementia. Methods: […]

Gozalo, Pedro, Prakash, Shivaani, Qato, Danya M., Sloane, Philip D., Mor, Vincent

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Bathing Without a Battle intervention in reducing physical and verbal aggressive behaviors for nursing home residents with dementia.; Design: A randomized crossover diffusion study, with one group receiving the intervention after one round of baseline observations and a delayed intervention group receiving the intervention after two rounds of […]

Goudour, Amandine, Samson, Séverine, Bakchine, Serge, Ehrlé, Nathalie

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of semantic stimulation of Alzheimer’s patients on semantic memory comparatively to psychological support. We conducted semantic training with two target categories (musical instruments and human actions), because these concepts were massively failed in previous data collected in Alzheimer’s disease. Ten patients (57-78 year old, MMSE […]

Finn, Maurice, McDonald, Skye

The results of a pilot randomised controlled trial of computerised cognitive training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are reported. Participants (N = 25) were randomised into either the treatment or waitlist training groups. Sixteen participants completed the 30-session computerised cognitive training program using exercises that target a range of cognitive functions including […]

Engvig, Andreas, Fjell, Anders M., Westlye, Lars T., Skaane, Nina V., Dale, Anders M., Holland, Dominic, Due-Tønnessen, Paulina, Sundseth, Øyvind, Walhovd, Kristine B.

Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is a common risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, with few established options for treatment. Here we investigate the effects of two months episodic memory training on regional brain atrophy in 19 memory clinic patients with SMI. We used a sensitive longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging protocol and compared the patients with 42 […]