Subjective impacts of computerized cognitive training for healthy older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Computerized cognitive training programs may have benefited the self-assessment of memory, quality of life, and mood among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objective To determine the subjective impacts of computerized cognitive training on mood, frequency of forgetfulness, memory complaints, and quality of life in the elderly using an online platform. Methods In total, 66 elderly participants of USP 60 +, a program for the elderly offered by Universidade de São Paulo, who voluntarily enrolled in the study were selected and randomized with an allocation ratio of 1:1 into 2 groups: the training group (n = 33) and the control group (n = 33). After signing the free and informed consent form, they answered a protocol which included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Memory Complaints Questionnaire (MAC-Q), the McNair and Kahn’s Frequency of Forgetfulness Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), and the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure (CASP-19) questionnaire. The training cognitive game platform aimed to stimulate various cognitive aspects, including memory, attention, language, executive functions (reasoning, logical thinking), and visual and spatial skills. Results The participants of the training group showed a reduction in the MAC-Q, MacNair and Kahn, and GAI scores in the pre- and posttest comparison. Significant differences were identified between the groups regarding the total scores of the MAC-Q in the post-test, which was also evidenced by the logistic regression. Conclusion Participation in a computerized cognitive intervention promoted reductions in memory complaints, frequency of forgetfulness, and anxiety symptoms, in addition to improving self-reported quality of life.

摘要：
研究背景：在2019冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行期间，计算机化认知训练程序或可改善老年人的记忆自我评估、生活质量与情绪状态。
研究目的：本研究旨在通过在线平台探究计算机化认知训练对老年人情绪、遗忘频率、记忆抱怨及生活质量的主观影响。
研究方法：本研究纳入巴西圣保罗大学（Universidade de São Paulo）老年项目USP 60+的66名自愿参与的老年受试者，按照1:1的分配比例随机分为两组：训练组（n=33）与对照组（n=33）。受试者签署知情同意书后，完成了包含社会人口学问卷、记忆抱怨问卷（Memory Complaints Questionnaire，MAC-Q）、麦克奈尔-卡恩遗忘频率量表、老年抑郁量表（GDS-15）、老年焦虑量表（GAI）以及控制、自主、自我实现与愉悦量表（CASP-19）在内的研究问卷。本次研究所用的认知训练游戏平台旨在刺激多项认知能力，包括记忆、注意力、语言能力、执行功能（推理、逻辑思维）以及视空间技能。
研究结果：训练组受试者在前后测对比中，MAC-Q、麦克奈尔-卡恩遗忘频率量表及GAI得分均有所降低。两组在后测时的MAC-Q总分存在显著差异，该结果经逻辑回归分析得到验证。
研究结论：参与计算机化认知干预不仅可改善受试者自述的生活质量，还能减轻其记忆抱怨、遗忘频率与焦虑症状。