Cognitive Training Interventions

Older adults are often faced with the issue of cognitive decline. In older adults, cognitive function is imperative because it aids in independent living as well as the need for care. In the past, there have been a limited amount of studies addressing the issue of improving cognitive functions and its connection to long term and short term effects for independent living (Ball, et al, 2002). The article “Effects of Cognitive Training Interventions With Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial” explores the issue of cognitive training interventions. The purpose of the article is to gather information concerning cognitive interventions and if these interventions can improve mental abilities and daily functioning in older independent living adults (Ball, et al, 2002). This article review will discuss the methods, results, discussion as well as a conclusion of the selected article.

Methods

The design of the study was complex yet well created. Within the study, there were 4 intervention groups (which consisted of : memory training, reasoning training or speed of process training) and one no contact control group. The three intervention groups were created based upon the participants having excellent memory traits, and a strong ability to perform daily living activities (Ball, et al, 2002). Each intervention group participated in a ten session intervention for one of the three cognitive abilities: memory, inductive reasoning, or speed of processing. Within the interventions, there were “booster training” sessions which were provided to random participants within the groups (Ball, et al, 2002).

The study contained a total of 2832 subjects. The subjects’ were volunteers whose ages ranged from 65 to 94 years of age. These participants ...

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...and test such as listed in the article. I would recommend this article to other students.

In the future, it would be refreshing to see research on this topic that includes a longer follow up session for the older adults. A follow up past two years would note if the cognitive intervention aided in the participants daily activities. As of now, a follow up is not being given due to the minimal functional decline in the participants (Ball, et al, 2002).

Results support the effectiveness and durability of the cognitive training interventions in improving targeted cognitive abilities. Training effects were of a magnitude equivalent to the amount of decline expected in elderly persons without dementia over 7- to 14-year intervals. Because of minimal functional decline across all groups, longer follow-up is likely required to observe training effects on everyday function.