7.122 Brain training.

The assessment of computerized brain-training programs is a rapidly growing area of research. Researchers are now focusing on who this training benefits most, what brain functions are most susceptible to improvement, and which products are most effective. A recent study looked at 487 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older, each randomly assigned to one of two training groups. In one group, the participants used a computerized program one hour per day. In the other, DVD-based educational programs were shown and quizzes were administered after each video. The training period lasted eight weeks. The response was the improvement in a composite score obtained from an auditory memory/attention survey given before and after the eight weeks.⁴⁴ The results are summarized here.