Analysis of an Everyday Cognitive Training Program on the cognitive functioning of older adults: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

[EN]Background The prevalence of a probable cognitive deficit in older adults is associated with advanced age and degree of functional impairment. This fact has encouraged the search for non-pharmacological preventive interventions. We set out to evaluate the benefits of the use of specific training programs in everyday cognition on the cognitive functioning of older adults.

Methods For this purpose, we conducted a randomised controlled trial of two groups. In the experimental group we carried out an ‘Everyday Cognition Training Program’, and in the control group we carried out a ‘Traditional Cognitive Training Program’. The study was divided into four phases. The interventions were carried out in 10 associations of older people. In each group, 20 sessions were conducted in each phase. Participants received a total of 80 sessions. Therefore, a total of 800 intervention sessions were conducted throughout the study. The ERFC Questionnaire was used to assess the intervention. Each participant performed eight assessments, two (initial and final) for each of the four stages.

Results The study had a final sample of 237 participants. The intervention group had significantly better scores on the ERFC (at P < 0.001) than the control group at both post-intervention and follow-up, except in the third stage of the study, where no significant differences were found after the intervention between the study groups.

Conclusions The main findings of this study indicate that the use of an Everyday Cognition Training Program presents greater benefits in the cognitive functioning in older adults than the use of a Traditional Cognitive Training Program.

Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04041999.