Cognitive Dimensions of Healthy Aging Jan Duchek, PhD. Department of Psychology

1. Cognitive Dimensions of Healthy Aging Jan Duchek, PhD. Department of Psychology

3. Cognitive Performance across Age Park et al.

4. Cognitive Interventions for Older Adults beginning in 1970’s target memory training specific strategy - method of loci - expanded retrieval

7. Final Distribution 30 Words Recalled (Max. = 30) Young Old 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Session Baltes & Kliegl (1992)

8. MASSED RETRIEVAL PRACTICE Study Test Test Test Final Test Spaced Retrieval Effect Spaced > Massed SPACED PRACTICE Equal Interval Study Test Test Final Test Test Expanded Study Test Test Test Final Test Spaced Retrieval Practice

9. Massed (0-0-0) Alison Shaw ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Alison Shaw ____ ____ ____ ____ Equal Interval (2-2-2) 2 2 2 Alison Shaw ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Expanded (1-2-3) 3 1 2

10. Balota, Duchek, et al. (2006)

11. Cognitive Interventions Another approach training underlying cognitive processes working memory executive function/attentional control reasoning speed of processing issue of “transfer” – near vs. far

12. ACTIVE Study • Sample: N=2832 65-94 yrs. • Randomized controlled trial across 6 sites: • Memory training • Reasoning training • Speed of processing training • Control group • Outcome measures: • Near: assessments of memory, reasoning, speed • Far: everyday problem solving, ADLs, driving habits

13. Results at 2 year follow-upBall et al. (2002) MemoryReasoningSpeedControl Memory 26% 17% 13% 15% Reasoning 34% 74% 35% 39% Speed 34% 33% 87%31% E-problem 19% 23% 20% 21% ADL/IADL 17% 18% 14% 16% Driving 19% 19% 16% 19%

14. 5 year Follow-up Willis et al. (2006)

15. Multimodal Approach to Cognitive Training • Training on strategy-based video game (Basak et al., 2008) • Improved performance on executive function measures relative to no-training control group • Theater training (Noice et al., 2004) • Improved performance on memory and problem solving relative to no-training control group, less benefits relative to visual arts control group

16. Engagement in Mentally Stimulating Activity “Use It or Lose It”

17. Does Engagement in Cognitive Activity Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline? 0.30 Low Activity 0.25 0.20 Cumulative Hazard of AD 0.15 High Activity 0.10 0.05 0.0 0 1 2 3 4 Study Year Wilson et al., (2007)

18. Impact of Alzheimer’s disease pathology on cognition as a function of education 1 0 -1 high Global Cognitive Function -2 average -3 low 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 Summary Measure of AD Pathology Bennett et al., (2003)

19. The ‘Conundrum’ ??? Neuropathology Cognition ~30% of cognitively healthy controls at autopsy have brain pathology consistent with AD Morris et al (2004)

20. Individual Differences in the Cognitive Trajectory with Age From Hertzog et al. (2008)

21. Neuropathology Cognition Variables that may modulate the cognitive trajectory with age From Hertzog et al. (2008) spirituality life stressors exercise personality cognitive stimulation social engagement

22. Challenges • What do we ‘target’ in cognitive intervention? • What do we use as ‘outcomes’? Near vs. Far transfer • What is the appropriate ‘control group’? • How do we account for individual differences and covariation among other variables?