Brain training in older adults: Evidence of transfer to memory span performance and pseudo-Matthew effects

Authors: McDougall, S. and House, B.

Journal: Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition

Volume: 19

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 195-221

eISSN: 1744-4128

ISSN: 1382-5585

DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2011.640656

Abstract:

In this study the effects of brain training using the Nintendo DS Brain Training program were examined in two groups of older adults; the cognitive performance of an experimental group (n=21) who were asked to use the Nintendo DS regularly over a 6-week period was compared with the control group (n=20). Groups were matched on age (mean age = 74 years), education, computer experience, daily activities (time spent reading or watching television), and initial scores of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses revealed that improvements were primarily in the Digit Span Test, specifically Digits Backwards. Although the Brain Training package appeared to have some efficacy, other factors such as perceived quality of life and perceived cognitive functioning were at least equally important in determining training outcomes. The implications of these findings for cognitive training are discussed. © 2012 Psychology Press, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business.

Source: Scopus

Brain training in older adults: evidence of transfer to memory span performance and pseudo-Matthew effects.

Authors: McDougall, S. and House, B.

Journal: Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn

Volume: 19

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 195-221

eISSN: 1744-4128

DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2011.640656

Abstract:

In this study the effects of 'brain training' using the Nintendo DS Brain Training program were examined in two groups of older adults; the cognitive performance of an experimental group (n = 21) who were asked to use the Nintendo DS regularly over a 6-week period was compared with the control group (n = 20). Groups were matched on age (mean age = 74 years), education, computer experience, daily activities (time spent reading or watching television), and initial scores of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses revealed that improvements were primarily in the Digit Span Test, specifically Digits Backwards. Although the Brain Training package appeared to have some efficacy, other factors such as perceived quality of life and perceived cognitive functioning were at least equally important in determining training outcomes. The implications of these findings for cognitive training are discussed.

Source: PubMed

Brain training in older adults: Evidence of transfer to memory span performance and pseudo-Matthew effects

Authors: McDougall, S. and House, B.

Journal: AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION

Volume: 19

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 195-221

eISSN: 1744-4128

ISSN: 1382-5585

DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2011.640656

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Brain training in older adults: Evidence of transfer to memory span performance and pseudo-Matthew effects

Authors: McDougall, S. and House, B.

Journal: Aging, Neuropsychology & Cognition

ISSN: 1382-5585

Abstract:

In this study the effects of ‘brain training’ using the Nintendo DS Brain Training were examined in two groups of older adults; the cognitive performance of an experimental group (n = 21) who were asked to use the Nintendo DS regularly over a six-week period was compared with the control group (n = 20). Groups were matched on age (mean age=74 years), education, computer experience, daily activities (time spent reading or watching television) and initial scores of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Analyses revealed that improvements were primarily in the Digit Span Test, specifically Digits Backwards. Although the Brain Training package appeared to have some efficacy, other factors such as perceived quality of life and perceived cognitive functioning were at least equally important in determining training outcomes. The implications of these findings for cognitive training setting are discussed.

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Sine McDougall

Brain training in older adults: evidence of transfer to memory span performance and pseudo-Matthew effects.

Authors: McDougall, S. and House, B.

Journal: Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition

Volume: 19

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 195-221

eISSN: 1744-4128

ISSN: 1382-5585

DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2011.640656

Abstract:

In this study the effects of 'brain training' using the Nintendo DS Brain Training program were examined in two groups of older adults; the cognitive performance of an experimental group (n = 21) who were asked to use the Nintendo DS regularly over a 6-week period was compared with the control group (n = 20). Groups were matched on age (mean age = 74 years), education, computer experience, daily activities (time spent reading or watching television), and initial scores of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses revealed that improvements were primarily in the Digit Span Test, specifically Digits Backwards. Although the Brain Training package appeared to have some efficacy, other factors such as perceived quality of life and perceived cognitive functioning were at least equally important in determining training outcomes. The implications of these findings for cognitive training are discussed.

Source: Europe PubMed Central