Computerized Cognitive and Skills Training in Older People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Index Treatment-Related Changes in Real-World Performance of Technology-Dependent Functional Tasks.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive and functional skills training improves skills and cognitive test performance, but the true test of efficacy is real-world transfer. We trained participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or normal cognition (NC) for up to 12 weeks on six technology-related skills using remote computerized functional skills assessment and training (FUNSAT) software. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), we measured real-world performance of the technology-related skills over 6 months and related EMA-identified changes in performance to training gains. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial with post-training follow-up. SETTING: A total of 14 Community centers in New York City and Miami. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults with normal cognition (n = 72) or well-defined MCI (n = 92), ranging in age from 60 to 90, primarily female, and racially and ethnically diverse. INTERVENTION: Computerized cognitive and skills training. MEASUREMENTS: EMA surveys measuring trained and untrained functional skills 3 or more days per week for 6 months and training gains from baseline to end of training. RESULTS: Training gains in completion times across all 6 tasks were significant (p <0.001) for both samples, with effect sizes more than 1.0 SD for all tasks. EMA surveys detected increases in performance for both trained (p <0.03) and untrained (p <0.001) technology-related skills for both samples. Training gains in completion times predicted increases in performance of both trained and untrained technology-related skills (all p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Computerized training produces increases in real-world performance of important technology-related skills. These gains continued after the end of training, with greater gains in MCI participants.

Early prediction of mastery of a computerized functional skills training program in participants with mild cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cognition in MCI has responded poorly to pharmacological interventions, leading to use of computerized training. Combining computerized cognitive training (CCT) and functional skills training software (FUNSAT) produced improvements in 6 functional skills in MCI, with effect sizes >0.75. However, 4% of HC and 35% of MCI participants failed to master all 6 tasks. We address early identification of characteristics that identify participants who do not graduate, to improve later interventions. METHODS: NC participants (n = 72) received FUNSAT and MCI (n = 92) participants received FUNSAT alone or combined FUNSAT and CCT on a fully remote basis. Participants trained twice a week for up to 12 weeks. Participants "graduated" each task when they made one or fewer errors on all 3-6 subtasks per task. Tasks were no longer trained after graduation. RESULTS: Between-group comparisons of graduation status on baseline completion time and errors found that failure to graduate was associated with more baseline errors on all tasks but no longer completion times. A discriminant analysis found that errors on the first task (Ticket purchase) uniquely separated the groups, F = 41.40, p < .001, correctly classifying 94% of graduators. An ROC analysis found an AUC of .83. MOCA scores did not increase classification accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: More baseline errors, but not completion times, predicted failure to master all FUNSAT tasks. Accuracy of identification of eventual mastery was exceptional. Detection of risk to fail to master training tasks is possible in the first 15 minutes of the baseline assessment. This information can guide future enhancements of computerized training.

Remote Passive Sensing of Older Adults' Activities and Function: User-Centered Design Considerations for Behavioral Interventions Conducted in the Home Setting.

Behavioral intervention studies often lack sufficiently sensitive and frequent measurements to observe an effect. Remote passive sensing offers a highly sensitive, continuous, and ecologically valid method of assessment that increases the ability to detect changes in the daily activities and function of those being monitored. To be most effectively deployed in research studies, applications of remote assessment technology must be designed with the end user in mind. User-centered design (UCD) is especially important in clinical trials where the needs and characteristics of participants and research staff need to be uniquely considered to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of the study. This paper describes UCD issues in remote passive sensing that commonly arise among older adult participants-including those living with dementia-as well as any strategies that were taken to overcome them. Using exemplars from the National Institute on Aging-funded Roybal Center ORCASTRAIT (Oregon Roybal Center for Care Support Translational Research Advantaged by Integrating Technology), as well as other experimental and observational research studies conducted in community settings, this paper brings together our collective experiences with studies using remote passive sensing technology that incorporate a UCD design approach. Although passive sensing eliminates some common UCD issues that arise with higher-touch technology, issues, such as usability, trust, and aesthetic acceptability, still need to be addressed for behavioral interventions using passive sensing technology to be potent and implementable.

The relationship of caregiver self-efficacy to caregiver outcomes: a correlation and mediation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias experience significant burden and adverse outcomes. Enhancing caregiver self-efficacy has the potential to mitigate these negative impacts, yet little is known about its relationship with other aspects of caregiving. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and outcomes; identified factors associated with self-efficacy; examined the mediating role of self-efficacy; and analyzed whether there were racial/ethnic differences. METHODS: Data from caregivers (N = 243) were collected from the Caring for the Caregiver Network study. Participants' level of self-efficacy, depression, burden, and positive aspects of caregiving was assessed using validated measures. RESULTS: Two self-efficacy subscales predicted caregiver depression, burden, and positive aspects of caregiving. Being White, a spouse, or having a larger social network predicted lower self-efficacy for obtaining respite. Higher income and lower preparedness predicted lower self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts and responding to disruptive behaviors. Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts mediated the relationship between preparedness and depression along with the relationship between preparedness and burden. Race/ethnicity did not improve model fit. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy plays an important role in caregiver outcomes. These findings indicate that strategies to improve caregiver self-efficacy should be an integral component of caregiver interventions.

Novel methods for assessment of vulnerability to financial exploitation (FE).

Financial exploitation (FE) is a complex problem influenced by many factors. This article introduces two novel methods for assessment of FE vulnerability: (1) performance-based measures of financial skills using web-based simulations of common financial tasks; (2) scam vulnerability measures based on credibility ratings of common scam scenarios. Older adults who were male, younger, Hispanic, more educated, with higher incomes performed better on the simulated financial tasks. Better performance was also related to higher cognitive function and numeracy, and more experience with technology. On the scenario-based measures, older adults who were male, younger, African American, less educated, and lower income showed higher FE vulnerability. Higher scam vulnerability was also related to poorer performance on the simulated financial tasks, lower cognitive function, less experience with technology, more financial conflict/anxiety, more impulsivity, and more stranger-initiated FE. Findings indicate that these novel measures show promise as valid indicators of vulnerability to FE.

Improvements in Cognitive Performance With Computerized Training in Older People With and Without Cognitive Impairment: Synergistic Effects of Skills-Focused and Cognitive-Focused Strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Both cognitively impaired (CI) and nonimpaired (NC) older people have challenges in performing everyday tasks. Previous skills training efforts in NC individuals have led to improvements in both functional skills and cognitive functioning. We evaluated the cognitive benefits of combining computerized cognitive training (CCT) with a computer-based functional skills assessment and training (CFSAT) program in a sample of CI and NC older adults. DESIGN: Randomized parallel clinical trial with two treatment conditions: up to 24 sessions of CFSAT training alone or CFSAT plus speed focused CCT. PARTICIPANTS: NC (n = 62) and CI (n = 55) older adults, ranging in age from 60-86 years (M = 73.12), primarily female (90%), and ethnically diverse (21% Hispanic, 52% African American). Participants were divided based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and cognitive complaints. SETTING: Three different community centers in Miami, FL. MEASUREMENTS: The Brief Assessment of Cognition, app version, was used to measure cognitive performance across six different cognitive domains before and after training. RESULTS: All six cognitive domains improved from baseline. Multivariate analyses found the effects of the combined CFSAT and CCT to be superior. The interaction of training condition and cognitive status was not statistically significant, indicating no global impact of cognitive status on improvements in cognition across training conditions. CONCLUSIONS: CFSAT training was associated with cognitive benefits, particularly in CI participants. The combined intervention led to greater improvements. Consistent with results of previous studies, there is considerable evidence of cognitive plasticity in older adults, including those with CI.

An Emotion Regulation Tablet App for Middle-Aged and Older Adults at High Suicide Risk: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Two Case Studies.

OBJECTIVE: The unique features of technological applications may improve the treatment of people at risk of suicide. In this article, we present feasibility and acceptability data as well as two case studies demonstrating the use of WellPATH, a tablet app that aims to help suicidal patients during emotionally-charged situations outside of therapy sessions. The WellPATH app was part of a 12-week psychotherapy intervention (CRISP - Cognitive Reappraisal Intervention for Suicide Prevention) for middle-aged and older adults after their discharge from a suicide-related hospitalization. DESIGN: The use of WellPATH includes three stages: preparation and practice, incorporation, and actual use. MEASUREMENTS: Feasibility was measured by the overall use of WellPATH during 12 weeks, and acceptability was measured with the three items of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. RESULTS: Twelve study participants were administered WellPATH as part of CRISP. The results provide preliminary evidence of feasibility and acceptability of WellPATH. Study participants and therapists reported high satisfaction with WellPATH and provided feedback for future research and development. The patients in the case studies reported a reduction in negative emotions and an increase in emotion regulation (i.e., cognitive reappraisal ability) after using techniques on the WellPATH app. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that use of technology applications such as the WellPATH app is feasible and accepted among middle-aged and older adults at high suicide risk. Further research with an adequately powered sample is needed to further evaluate WellPATH's feasibility and accessibility, and test its efficacy with this high-risk population.

Formative Development of a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Grandparents and Grandchildren.

Physical inactivity is a major public health issue among older adults and children. This study presents preliminary results that will inform the development of a technology-based physical activity intervention for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 6-12 years old). The authors used an iterative user-centered design framework to gather quantitative data from grandparents (n = 35) and subsequently invited a subset of 12 of them to engage in qualitative interviews. Participants were 63.1 ± 9.8 years old, 80% female, 64% U.S.-born, 43% Hispanic, 66% single, and 40% <$15K income. The majority of grandparents reported mobile device proficiency, very close relationships with their grandchildren, and interest in participating in an intergenerational intervention. Four key themes related to family closeness, dynamics, routines, and technology informed intervention development. Next steps involved a pilot trial using Fitbits and a fully functioning technology-based prototype. Grandparents are uniquely positioned within their families to serve as agents of change in health-promoting interventions.

The Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program: Sensitivity to Global Cognitive Impairment, Correlations With Cognitive Abilities, and Factor Structure.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated a novel computer-based functional skills assessment and training (CFSAT) program, which includes ecologically valid simulations of six everyday technology-related tasks. In this report, we describe the psychometric properties of the assessment in terms of sensitivity to impairment, factor structure and correlations with cognitive performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional baseline assessment prior to a treatment study. PARTICIPANTS: Noncognitively impaired older adults (n = 62) and cognitively impaired older adults (n = 55), that ranged in age from 60 to 86 years (M = 73.12), was primarily female (90%), and ethnically diverse (21% Hispanic, 52% African American). Participants were divided at baseline on the basis of MOCA scores and cognitive complaints. MEASUREMENTS: The Brief Assessment of Cognition (BAC), app version, was used to measure cognitive performance and completion times on the six subtasks of the CFAST constituted the functional capacity measures. RESULTS: Performance on the CFSAT and BAC discriminated the two cognitive status groups. All of the cognitive domains on the BAC correlated significantly with all six CFSAT subtasks (all p < .01). Factor analyses suggested that the CFSAT and the BAC loaded on separate factors and regression analyses indicated that executive functioning and processing speed had the largest independent association with performance on the CFSAT. CONCLUSION: The CFSAT is sensitive to functional impairments seen in cognitively impaired older adults. Cognitive performance and CFSAT scores were related but nonredundant. Thus, the CFSAT appears to identify functional deficits that could be targeted with skills training interventions, likely augmented by pharmacological or computerized cognitive training interventions.

Family Caregiving for Older Adults.

Family members are the primary source of support for older adults with chronic illness and disability. Thousands of published empirical studies and dozens of reviews have documented the psychological and physical health effects of caregiving, identified caregivers at risk for adverse outcomes, and evaluated a wide range of intervention strategies to support caregivers. Caregiving as chronic stress exposure is the conceptual driver for much of this research. We review and synthesize the literature on the impact of caregiving and intervention strategies for supporting caregivers. The impact of caregiving is highly variable, driven largely by the intensity of care provided and the suffering of the care recipient. The intervention literature is littered with many failures and some successes. Successful interventions address both the pragmatics of care and the emotional toll of caregiving. We conclude with both research and policy recommendations that address a national agenda for caregiving.

Family Caregiving: A Vision for the Future.

The authors of this review both served on the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Committee that produced the report, "Caring for an Aging America". In this commentary we summarize key findings and recommendations most relevant to clinicians and researchers in geriatric psychiatry and related disciplines. The report notes the growing prevalence of family caregiving in the United States, especially those caring for high-need patients with multiple chronic conditions, disability, and/or cognitive impairment. To support the capacity of family caregivers to perform critical caregiving tasks, the report recommends a major shift in healthcare policy toward collaborative partnerships among patients, their defined family, and providers of care. Optimizing the role of family caregivers will minimally require systematic attention to the identification, assessment, and support of family caregivers throughout the care delivery process. Research is needed to develop the tools and protocols to efficiently assess caregivers, and identify ways in which they can be integrated into existing clinical practices. We also need research to identify how to best implement, maintain, and evaluate caregiver support programs within clinical and community settings. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should be charged with developing, testing, and implementing provider payment reforms that motivate providers to engage and support family caregivers. Payment reforms should include clearly articulated performance standards that hold providers accountable for caregiver engagement, training, and support by explicitly including caregiver outcomes in quality measures.

The role of compassion, suffering, and intrusive thoughts in dementia caregiver depression.

OBJECTIVES: Exposure to suffering of a relative or friend increases the risk for psychological and physical morbidity. However, little is known about the mechanisms that account for this effect. We test a theoretical model that identifies intrusive thoughts as a mediator of the relation between perceived physical and psychological suffering of the care recipient and caregiver depression. We also assess the role of compassion as a moderator of the relation between perceived suffering and intrusive thoughts. METHODS: Hispanic and African American caregivers (N = 108) of persons with dementia were assessed three times within a one-year period. Using multilevel modeling, we assessed the mediating role of intrusive thoughts in the relation between perceived physical and psychological suffering and CG depression, and we tested moderated mediation to assess the role of caregiver compassion in the relation between perceived suffering and intrusive thoughts. RESULTS: The effects of perceived physical suffering on depression were completely mediated through intrusive thoughts, and compassion moderated the relation between physical suffering and intrusive thoughts. Caregivers who had greater compassion reported more intrusive thoughts even when perceived physical suffering of the CR was low. For perceived psychological suffering, the effects of suffering on depression were partially mediated through intrusive thoughts. DISCUSSION: Understanding the role of intrusive thoughts and compassion in familial relationships provides new insights into mechanisms driving caregiver well-being and presents new opportunities for intervention.

Concerns about aging and caregiving among middle-aged and older lesbian and gay adults.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing number of lesbian and gay older adults, research geared towards health and well-being of this population is limited. Many lesbian and gay seniors experience health disparities and are at risk for poor health outcomes. The aims of this study were to gather in-depth information on the concerns of lesbian and gay elders with respect to aging and care needs. METHOD: The sample included 124 gay men and lesbian women aged 50+ years. Data were gathered via focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups addressed: (1) concerns about aging in the LGBT community, (2) barriers to needed support and services, (3) concerns about caregiving and (4) needed programs for lesbian and gay seniors. RESULTS: Concerns expressed about aging included: lack of financial security, lack of family or social support, fears about the lack of someone to provide needed care, and discrimination in healthcare or service communities. Participants also indicated concerns about being alone and vulnerable and a need for resources and support programs, specifically for lesbian and gay older adults and for lesbian and gay caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest needed areas of support and programs for older gay men and lesbian women. They also suggest that healthcare professionals might need more training regarding the particular needs and concerns of this community.

Predicting Older Adults' Perceptions about a Computer System Designed for Seniors.

PURPOSE: Although computer technology may be particularly useful for older adults (e.g., for communication, information access), they have been slower adopters than their younger counterparts. Perceptions about computers such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use can pose barriers to acceptance and universal access [1]. Therefore, understanding the precursors to these perceptions for older adult non-computer users may provide insight into the reasons for their non-adoption. METHODS: We examined the relationship between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of a computer interface designed for older users and demographic, technology experience, cognitive abilities, personality, and attitudinal variables in a sample of 300 non-computer using adults between the ages of 64 and 98, selected for being at high risk for social isolation. RESULTS: The strongest correlates of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were: technology experience, personality dimensions of agreeableness and openness to experience, and attitudes. The emotional stability personality dimension was significantly correlated with perceived ease of use but not perceived usefulness. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that attitudes (i.e., self-efficacy, comfort, interest) remained predictive of perceptions of usefulness and ease of use when technology experience and personality variables were accounted for. CONCLUSION: Given that attitudes are more malleable than other variables, such as demographic and cognitive abilities, these findings highlight the potential to increase technology acceptance through positive experiences, appropriate training, and educational campaigns about the benefits of computers and other technologies.

An evaluation of deficits in semantic cueing and proactive and retroactive interference as early features of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree to which susceptibility to different types of semantic interference may reflect the initial manifestations of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) beyond the effects of global memory impairment. METHODS: Normal elderly (NE) subjects (n = 47), subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; n = 34), and subjects with probable AD (n = 40) were evaluated by using a unique cued recall paradigm that allowed for evaluation of both proactive and retroactive interference effects while controlling for global memory impairment (i.e., Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference and Learning [LASSI-L] procedure). RESULTS: Controlling for overall memory impairment, aMCI subjects had much greater proactive and retroactive interference effects than NE subjects. LASSI-L indices of learning by using cued recall revealed high levels of sensitivity and specificity, with an overall correct classification rate of 90%. These measures provided better discrimination than traditional neuropsychological measures of memory function. CONCLUSIONS: The LASSI-L paradigm is unique and unlike other assessments of memory in that items posed for cued recall are explicitly presented, and semantic interference and cueing effects can be assessed while controlling for initial level of memory impairment. This is a powerful procedure that allows the participant to serve as his or her own control. The high levels of discrimination between subjects with aMCI and normal cognition that exceeded traditional neuropsychological measures makes the LASSI-L worthy of further research in the detection of early AD.

Prioritizing Technology Initiatives to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults.

In their insightful commentary, Kokorelias et al. (2024) explore the potential of technology in supporting aging in the right place, addressing both opportunities and challenges from individual to societal levels. Our commentary specifically focuses on recent empirical evidence for technology's benefits in enhancing social connectivity and reducing loneliness for older adults, both with and without cognitive impairments. It emphasizes the need for a proper balance between the use of technology and face-to-face interactions and highlights the importance of addressing concerns related to privacy, cybersecurity and safety in this domain. In addition to the barriers outlined by Kokorelias et al. (2024), we discuss challenges related to the transfer of technology, the necessary steps required to ensure that technological interventions are effective beyond well-controlled studies and the responsibility of industries to design technology in such a way that innovations can benefit as many people as possible.

The Efficacy of a Home-Based Functional Skills Training Program for Older Adults With and Without a Cognitive Impairment.

Background and Objectives: The performance of everyday technology-based tasks, such as online banking or shopping, can be challenging for older adults, especially those with a cognitive impairment. Technology-based tasks are cognitively demanding and require learning new skills. This study explored the efficacy of a technology-based functional skills assessment and training program (FUNSAT) among aging adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in home settings. Research Design and Methods: One hundred and eighty-four racially/ethnically diverse male and female adults aged 65+ participated in the study. The sample included 75 noncognitively impaired (NC) older adults and 109 older adults with MCI. The FUNSAT program includes medication and money management, transportation, and shopping tasks. The MCI participants were randomized to the FUNSAT training or FUNSAT training combined with computer-based cognitive training (FUNSAT/CCT). The nonimpaired adults received the FUNSAT training only. Using alternative forms of the assessment component of the FUNSAT program, assessments occurred at baseline, post-training, and 1- and 3-month post-training. This paper reports the post-training results. Results: The findings indicated that the performance of both the nonimpaired and MCI participants improved significantly for all 6 tasks post-training. Specifically, training resulted in improvements in task completion time and task errors. Participants also reported greater confidence when performing the tasks in the real world. Discussion and Implications: Nonimpaired aging adults and those with MCI can learn to perform technology-based everyday tasks. Further, home-based technology training protocols are feasible for aging adults with and without a cognitive impairment. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT0467944 1.

A Tablet-Based Application to Enhance Social Connectedness for Individuals With a Cognitive Impairment: Results From the PRISM-CI Pilot Study.

Social engagement is fundamental to successful aging and linked to better emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Maintaining social engagement is challenging for many older adults but especially for those with a cognitive impairment (CI). Information and communication technologies (ICT) can provide enhanced opportunities for social and cognitive engagement for older adults with a CI via increased information, education, and social connectivity access. This study used a pre-test post-test design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system, a tablet-based application designed to enhance access to resources, information, and social engagement, in 52 individuals with a CI between the ages of 65-88 years who had access to PRISM-CI for five months. Findings show that social isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms significantly decreased, and mobile device proficiency significantly increased, from baseline to follow-up. Results highlight ICTs potential to foster social engagement among older adults with a CI.

Social support and physical activity: does general health matter?

BACKGROUND: Physical activity levels remain suboptimal in older adults. Exploration of potentially modifiable factors such as social support is needed to inform the development and implementation of patient-oriented physical activity interventions for older adults. The impact of general health on the relationship between social support and physical activity is not well understood. We aimed to determine the association between social support and self-reported physical activity in a study of community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we examined whether self-reported general health mediates the relationship between social support and self-reported physical activity. METHOD: This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data collected as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing a digital physical activity intervention, which included social support features, with a tablet-based educational control. Adults ≥ 60 years of age were enrolled at 2 sites. Self-reported general health, social support, physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid conditions were assessed. Pearson and point-biserial correlations were computed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and general health, social support, and sociodemographic features. Social support (exposure), general health (mediator), and physical activity (outcome) were incorporated into a mediation model. RESULTS: Among 181 participants (mean age of 70.1 years), significant correlations were found between physical activity and both general health and social support (r = -0.19 and r = 0.21, respectively; both p < 0.01). General health significantly mediated the relationship between social support and physical activity (unstandardized ß coefficient 416.9; 95% confidence interval 96.4, 842.0). CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation of social support, particularly when coupled with other modes of health promotion to improve personal wellbeing, may be a valuable component of physical activity promotion programs. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the potential mechanistic pathways linking social support, general health, and physical activity to inform development of evidence-based physical activity interventions for older adults and improve downstream health-related outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03538158 . Registered May 25, 2018.