Working Memory Training for Older Adults After Major Surgery: Benefits to Cognitive and Emotional Functioning.
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry
; 27(11): 1219-1227, 2019 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31278011
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Cognitive and mood changes can affect postoperative recovery in hospitalized older adults undergoing major surgical procedures, but few studies have considered postoperative cognitive interventions to sustain such patients' cognitive functioning and mood. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of working memory training in improving cognitive functioning and mood, or emotional functioning, in older adults undergoing major surgery.METHODS:
Thirty-four older adults (from 64 to 75 years of age) hospitalized for partial or total arthroplasty of the knee were randomly assigned to either a trained group (Nâ¯=â¯18) or an active control group (Nâ¯=â¯16). The former received working memory training during the postoperative period, while the latter engaged in alternative activities. In addition to specific training gains in a working memory task similar to the one used in the training (criterion task), transfer effects to cognitive abilities (short- and long-term memory, and cognitive inhibition), and mood or emotional functioning (signs of depression or anxiety) were investigated.RESULTS:
Immediately after the training, results showed a main effect of group (in favor of the trained group) in the criterion task, in one of the short-term memory measures, and in cognitive inhibition. In addition, only the trained group showed a decrease in depression and anxiety scores.CONCLUSION:
The results of this pilot study suggest that cognitive training targeting working memory administered in the postoperative period after major surgery can sustain older adults' cognitive and emotional functioning, and especially their mood.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Envelhecimento
/
Artroplastia do Joelho
/
Memória de Curto Prazo
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
Limite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry
Assunto da revista:
GERIATRIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália