The study conducted in Laboratory of Neuropsychology by E. Szelag and J. Skolimowska shows for the first time significant benefits of temporal training on broad aspects of cognitive function in elderly.
Thirty subjects aged between 65 and 75 years were randomly assigned to three groups. One group received temporal training using Fast ForWord, a program comprised of several computer games designed to improve temporal processing. The second group participated in non-temporal training by playing common computer games. The third group, the control, underwent no training. Before and after the training temporal processing and cognitive function were assessed.
Only in the first group the improved temporal processing was accompanied by ameliorated short-term memory and attentional resources. In contrast, these resources in the non-temporal training group remained at the pre-training level, while only the one aspect of temporal processing improved. Changes in the control group were nonsignificant. The benefits in the first group remained stable for 18 months after training completion.
Temporal processing seems crucial for many cognitive function, like memory, attention or motor control. The results show a new impact of temporal training on age-related cognitive declines and new possibilities for improvement Seniors’ cognition by slowing down the effects of aging.