Chan Micaela Y, Haber Sara, Drew Linda M, Park Denise C
Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas.
Gerontologist. 2016 Jun;56(3):475-84. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnu057. Epub 2014 Jun 13.
Recent evidence shows that engaging in learning new skills improves episodic memory in older adults. In this study, older adults who were computer novices were trained to use a tablet computer and associated software applications. We hypothesize that sustained engagement in this mentally challenging training would yield a dual benefit of improved cognition and enhancement of everyday function by introducing useful skills.
A total of 54 older adults (age 60-90) committed 15 hr/week for 3 months. Eighteen participants received extensive iPad training, learning a broad range of practical applications. The iPad group was compared with 2 separate controls: a Placebo group that engaged in passive tasks requiring little new learning; and a Social group that had regular social interaction, but no active skill acquisition. All participants completed the same cognitive battery pre- and post-engagement.
Compared with both controls, the iPad group showed greater improvements in episodic memory and processing speed but did not differ in mental control or visuospatial processing.
iPad training improved cognition relative to engaging in social or nonchallenging activities. Mastering relevant technological devices have the added advantage of providing older adults with technological skills useful in facilitating everyday activities (e.g., banking). This work informs the selection of targeted activities for future interventions and community programs.
近期证据表明，学习新技能可改善老年人的情景记忆。在本研究中，对电脑新手的老年人进行了使用平板电脑及相关软件应用程序的培训。我们假设，持续参与这项具有心理挑战性的训练将带来双重益处，即通过引入有用技能改善认知并增强日常功能。
共有54名年龄在60 - 90岁的老年人，为期3个月，每周投入15小时。18名参与者接受了广泛的iPad培训，学习了一系列实用应用程序。将iPad组与两个不同的对照组进行比较：一个是从事几乎无需学习新内容的被动任务的安慰剂组；另一个是有定期社交互动但无主动技能习得的社交组。所有参与者在参与前后都完成了相同的认知测试。
与两个对照组相比，iPad组在情景记忆和处理速度方面有更大改善，但在心理控制或视觉空间处理方面没有差异。
相对于参与社交或无挑战性活动，iPad培训改善了认知。掌握相关技术设备还有额外的优势，即能为老年人提供有助于日常活动（如银行业务）的技术技能。这项工作为未来干预措施和社区项目中针对性活动的选择提供了参考。
