Cognitive aging
Is combined mental training better for older adults' memory?
Open access · cc by · source: Europe PMC
While combining executive function and memory training improves a broader range of mental skills, training memory strategies alone leads to greater memory improvements.
Key findings
The memory-only group showed significant improvements on memory tests compared to the control group, whereas the combined group showed only marginal memory improvements. However, only the combined group showed significant gains in executive function tasks like updating. At a follow-up assessment 4 months later, both training groups maintained their cognitive improvements.
Methodology
The researchers assigned participants to either a combined cognitive training group, a pure memory strategy training group, or a control group. Both training groups completed 16 sessions of training over about 6 weeks, with each session lasting around 60 minutes. The pure memory group practiced only techniques like the method of loci, while the combined group split their time, receiving 8 sessions of executive function training and 8 sessions of memory training.
Limitations
The study did not match baseline performance across groups, partly because the control group's data was collected a year after the other groups. Additionally, the small sample size of the study limits its statistical power, making it harder to generalise these findings. Finally, because the control group was not tested at the 4-month follow-up, the researchers could not fully rule out practice effects.
How this study connects
Role on claims
Each row is a claim on a concept or method page where this paper supports, challenges, or qualifies the statement. Roles are hand-checked — not a model guess.
Structured cognitive training, including social card games and preschool-based play programs, can successfully train and improve executive functioning and working memory.
Evidence for the claim as stated.
Targeted multi-domain cognitive training that incorporates executive function exercises can significantly improve updating performance in older adults, whereas practicing memory strategies alone does not yield the same executive benefits.
Evidence for the claim as stated.
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