First Cognitive Training To Demonstrate Generalization On Standarized Assessments Of Memory

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5th September 2008, 02:31pm - Views: 1192





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MEDIA RELEASE PR31682


First Cognitive Training to Demonstrate Generalization on Standarized Assessments of

Memory


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --


    Preliminary results from the IMPACT study are being presented today at the

International College of Geriatric Psychoneurpharmacology's 8th Annual Scientific

Meeting in Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. The purpose of the IMPACT

("Improvement in Memory with Plasticity-based Adaptive Cognitive Training") study was

to evaluate whether improvements from specialized cognitive training extend to

standardized, untrained measures of memory performance and to self-reported

everyday cognition.   

    Henry Mahncke, PhD and Vice President of Research and Outcomes for San

Francisco-based Posit Science is presenting the data. The IMPACT trial 

compares the benefits of a plasticity-based cognitive training program 

developed by Posit Science (the Brain Fitness Program) to a computer-based learning

control matched for computer usage and training intensity. It was chosen to represent

current clinical recommendations regarding "staying 

cognitively active." The IMPACT study is the first large-scale randomized controlled trial

of a non-invasive, computer-based cognitive intervention for 

aging adults that is available for widespread, individual use. In addition to 

using standardized neuropsychological tests to assess training-related changes 

in memory, the IMPACT study measured the improvements in cognitive abilities 

directly reported by study participants themselves. 

    Using an intensive series of adaptive computerized exercises, the Brain Fitness

Program is designed to target the speed and accuracy of auditory and 

language processes, and neuromodulatory systems associated with learning and 

memory. Predefined endpoints distinct in design and content from training exercises

included standardized neuropsychological assessments of memory and 

participant-reported outcome (PRO) assessments measuring perceptions of 

everyday cognition.   

    After 10 weeks of training, significant group by time interactions 

favoring the experimental group (the Brain Fitness Program) were seen on the 

primary endpoint measure (RBANS Auditory Memory) and multiple within-modality  

but not cross-modality secondary endpoint measures. PRO measures of everyday 

cognitive function were significant on pre-post and post-only assessments.   

    Principal Investigators in this prospective, randomized, controlled trial 

were Glenn Smith, PhD at Mayo Clinic and Elizabeth Zelinski, PhD at the 

University of Southern California. The study involved 524 healthy adults over 

the age of 65.  

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    About Posit Science 

    Posit Science is the leading provider of clinically validated brain 

fitness products and services. The company works with more than 50 scientists 

from prestigious universities to design and test its computer-based programs. 

More than 30 published studies show that the company's patented technologies 

significantly increase the brain's processing speed, improve memory, and 

enhance the quality of everyday life. Posit Science has received numerous grants,

awards and accolades from organizations including the National 

Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Society for Aging (ASA), and CNBC. For more



SOURCE  Posit Science 

  

    CONTACT:  Peggy Jara of Posit Science, 

              +1-415-568-3526, 

              cell, +1-510-333-1160


   Web site:  http://www.positscience.com



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