A-48: Domain-Specific Cognitive Training and 10-Year Cognitive and Functional Trajectories in the ACTIVE Trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare the long-term effects of memory, reasoning, and speed-of-processing training on cognitive and functional later in life after a 10-year follow-up of participants in the ACTIVE trial. Method/Data Selection: ACTIVE was a multisite randomized controlled trial that included 2,832 adults aged 65 to 94 years who were recruited from six different regions of the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either memory, reasoning, or speed-of-processing training, or they were assigned to a control group that did not receive any contact from researchers after the initial assessment. Participants were assessed at baseline and at follow-up points over a 10-year period for various measures of cognition, such as memory, inductive reasoning, speed of processing, and general knowledge; everyday problem solving; observations of daily living; complex reaction time; and general functional ability. Longitudinal mixed-effects models were used to examine the trajectories of cognition according to the training condition to which the participants were assigned, as well as the relationship between those trajectories and the functional outcomes in later life. Results/Data Synthesis: Reasoning and speed-of-processing training were associated with better trajectories in those specific cognitive domains over the 10-year follow-up period than were experienced by the control group. In addition, higher scores in the domains of reasoning and processing speed were associated with better everyday and functional abilities at the 10-year follow-up. Conclusions: Depending on the type of training provided to older adults’ cognitive domains, there are differential effects on the long-term trajectories of those domains and their relationship to functional outcomes. Because reasoning and speed-of-processing training were associated with the best outcomes, it indicates the possible benefit of providing these forms of training to older adults to support their cognitive and functional health. Thus, these types of training may be beneficial to provide to support the cognitive health of older populations.