Feng Vankee Lin1, Kaylin Cottone2, Kelsey Mcdermott2, Alanna Jacobs2, Dallas Nelson3, Anton Porsteinsson4, Benjamin P Chapman5. 1. Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing (FVL, KC, KM, AJ), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL, AP, BPC), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (FVL), University of Rochester; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL, AP), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. 2. Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, School of Nursing (FVL, KC, KM, AJ), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. 3. Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry (DN), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. 4. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL, AP, BPC), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL, AP), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. 5. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry (FVL, AP, BPC), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry (BPC), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Electronic address: ben_chapman@urmc.rochester.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Computerized cognitive interventions (CCIs) have been increasingly implemented among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, older individuals' attitudes toward technology may limit CCI engagement. This exploratory-developmental study examined whether a "multi-functional interactive computer system" (MICS), which provides pleasurable activities via computer, would improve attitudes toward computers and in turn increase the efficacy of a subsequent CCI. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A phase one double-blind trial randomized 49 seniors with MCI to a MICS + CCI condition or a CCI-only condition. Attitudes toward technology use was assessed using The Attitudes Toward Computers Questionnaire (ATCQ), and cognition was assessed using episodic memory and executive function composite scores at baseline, the ends of MICS and CCI phases, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The MICS + CCI group did not show significantly greater improvement in cognition than the CCI only group. Secondary analyses indicated that improvement in executive function from baseline occurred in both groups. Participants who did show improved attitudes toward computers, whether through MICS or simply computer exposure itself, showed improvement in executive function. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATION: Participants in the MICS + CCI group used MICS less than expected. A more structured and supervised approach may be needed to facilitate MICS exposure. Improved attitudes toward computers regardless of MICS exposure may benefit candidates for CCI.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Computerized cognitive interventions (CCIs) have been increasingly implemented among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, older individuals' attitudes toward technology may limit CCI engagement. This exploratory-developmental study examined whether a "multi-functional interactive computer system" (MICS), which provides pleasurable activities via computer, would improve attitudes toward computers and in turn increase the efficacy of a subsequent CCI. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A phase one double-blind trial randomized 49 seniors with MCI to a MICS + CCI condition or a CCI-only condition. Attitudes toward technology use was assessed using The Attitudes Toward Computers Questionnaire (ATCQ), and cognition was assessed using episodic memory and executive function composite scores at baseline, the ends of MICS and CCI phases, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The MICS + CCI group did not show significantly greater improvement in cognition than the CCI only group. Secondary analyses indicated that improvement in executive function from baseline occurred in both groups. Participants who did show improved attitudes toward computers, whether through MICS or simply computer exposure itself, showed improvement in executive function. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATION: Participants in the MICS + CCI group used MICS less than expected. A more structured and supervised approach may be needed to facilitate MICS exposure. Improved attitudes toward computers regardless of MICS exposure may benefit candidates for CCI.
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