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.
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
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