Overview
Executive control processes involve initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control processes will improve cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults.
Description
The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control / multi-tasking abilities will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into two experimental groups: 1) Web-based game with training strategy; 2) Web-based game without training strategy (Active Control). All participants (groups 1 and 2) will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand online game, Breakfast Game, for 14 one-hour sessions over 5 weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 60-75
- Willingness to adhere to training protocol
- Adequate English proficiency
Exclusion Criteria:
- Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
- Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance.
- Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance.
- Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
- Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study.