Long-Lasting Neuropsychological Effects of a Computerized Cognitive Training in Patients Affected by Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Are They Stable Over Time?

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the stability of effects of a computerized cognitive training previously administered to a large group of early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, as compared with a control group.

METHOD

Eighty AD patients were randomized in two groups and underwent a computerized cognitive training, or a control intervention.

RESULTS

A Repeated Measures General Linear Model (RM-GLM) showed a significant interaction effect for the following neuropsychological tests: the digit span forward and backward, and the two-syllable words test, as measures of short-term memory and working memory; the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) story immediate and the RBMT story delayed, as measures of ecologically oriented memory; the Token test, as measure of language comprehension; and the Brixton test, as an executive functions measure.

CONCLUSION

Patients in the experimental group showed a significant improvement in various neuropsychological domains due to the training, and these effects decreased after 12 months.