Beneficial effects of reading aloud and solving simple arithmetic calculations (learning therapy) on a wide range of cognitive functions in the healthy elderly: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Almost all cognitive functions decline with age. Results of previous studies have shown that cognitive training related to everyday life (reading aloud and solving simple arithmetic calculations), namely learning therapy, can improve two cognitive function (executive functions and processing speed) in elderly people. However, it remains unclear whether learning therapy engenders improvement of various cognitive functions or not. We investigate the impact of learning therapy on various cognitive functions (executive functions, episodic memory, short-term memory, working memory, attention, reading ability, and processing speed) in healthy older adults.

Methods

We use a single-blinded intervention with two parallel groups (a learning therapy group and a waiting list

SUBMITTER: Nouchi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3349518 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature