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O3‐07‐06: IMPROVEMENTS IN SUBTHRESHOLD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN OLDER, SEDENTARY ADULTS AT RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE WHO ENGAGE IN A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION
Author(s) -
You Emily,
Ellis Kathryn A.,
Cox Kay L.,
Clare Linda,
Cyarto Elizabeth V.,
LoGiudice Dina,
Flicker Leon,
Almeida Osvaldo P.,
Etherton-Beer Christopher,
Liew Danny,
Alfonso Helman,
Ames David,
Lautenschlager Nicola T.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.2811
Subject(s) - anxiety , depression (economics) , dementia , randomized controlled trial , medicine , physical therapy , psychology , quality of life (healthcare) , disease , psychiatry , nursing , economics , macroeconomics
Background:Aging is characterized by changes in cognitive function such as declines in executive function (EF), processing speed, and memory. Given the world’s aging population, it is important to identify strategies that promote healthy cognitive aging and minimize cognitive decline. Specifically, complex mental activity, such as cognitive training, may be a promising method to combat cognitive decline in older adults. Commercial computerized cognitive training programs are of increasing interest among the public as a method to maintain or improve cognitive functioning. However, unlike physical exercise, the efficacy of these products remains highly debated in the current scientific literature. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a computerized cognitive training intervention, alone and preceded by a short bout of physical activity, on EF in healthy older adults. Methods: The study sample of this 8-week proof of concept randomized controlled trial consisted of 124 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either 8-weeks of: 1) Thrice-weekly group-based computerized cognitive training (Fit Brains training; FBT) plus thrice weekly training sessions at home; 2) Thrice-weekly group-based computerized cognitive training combined with a 15-minute walk (Ex-FBT) plus thrice weekly training sessions at home; or 3) Thrice-weekly group-based balanced and toned (BAT) classes (i.e., control). At baseline and trial completion (i.e., 8-weeks) standard neuropsychological testing of EF was administered, including the Stroop test, which assesses selective attention and conflict resolution. Results: Compared with the BAT, participants assigned to FBT and ExFBT significantly improved executive functions, as measured by the Stroop test (p 1⁄4 .001 and p 1⁄4 .023, respectively). No differences in Stroop performance were found between FBT and Ex-FBT (p 1⁄4 .234). Conclusions:These findings suggest that an 8-week computerized cognitive training program could benefit executive cognitive process of selective attention and conflict resolution in community-dwelling older adults.