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Efficacy of cognitive training programs based on new software technologies in patients with Alzheimer-type dementia

Authors

Fernández-Calvo, Bernardino, Rodríguez-Pérez, Roberto, Contador, Israel, Rubio-Santorum, Alicia, Ramos, Francisco

Journal

Psicothema, Volume: 23, No.: 1, Pages.: 44-50

Year of Publication

2011

Abstract

The study aims to assess the efficacy of the Big Brain Academy (BBA), a computerized cognitive training program (CT) based on video games, compared to the Integrated Psychostimulation Program (IPP), a classical CT tool for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A total of 45 patients with AD at the mild stage were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions. Two treatment groups were established, in which patients received either a stimulation program with BBA (EABB) or a traditional stimulation program (EAPI), based on paper-and-pencil tasks, for twelve weeks. A third group, the control group (EANT), did not receive any treatment during this period. The differential effectiveness of the programs was evaluated through pre-post design, considering neuropsychological, behavioral, and functional standard measures as outcome variables. The EABB group showed significantly slower rates of cognitive decline compared to the EAPI and EANT groups. Furthermore, the EABB group reported significantly greater decrease in depressive symptoms in comparison with the EAPI and EANT groups. The BBA program was more effective than IPP to reduce cognitive decline and depressive symptoms in patients with AD.;

Keywords

aged, aged, 80 and over, alzheimer disease, cognition disorders, depression, education, etiology, female, humans, male, methods, neuropsychological tests, prevention & control, psychology, rehabilitation, severity of illness index, software, video games

Countries of Study

Brazil

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Types of Study

Randomised Controlled Trial

Type of Outcomes

Cognition, Depression and Anxiety

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment, Technology (telephone, telecare, telehealth, robots, GPS)

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Adult safeguarding and abuse detection/prevention

Technology

Cognitive Stimulation Related Technology