Effect of Computerized Cognitive Training for Adults with Dementia-Related Anxiety

Abstract

Dementia-related anxiety (DRA) may occur when lapses in cognition are appraised as threatening. Individuals with DRA may seek to improve cognition. The primary purposes of this study were to evaluate 1) if DRA changed after eight weeks of Lumosity© software use, compared to control groups, and 2) whether DRA changes were maintained over time. Additional analyses were conducted to identify correlates of DRA and evaluate the effect of software on secondary variables. Participants (N = 395) were assigned to groups: Lumosity©, crossword puzzles, or no treatment. Participants completed baseline measures, eight-weeks of software use, and four post-baseline data collection points (T2 = 8 weeks, T3 = 12 weeks, T4 = 16 weeks, T5 = 20 weeks). Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate change in DRA. DRA scores significantly reduced from T1 to T2 for the Lumosity© group. No changes in T1 to T2 DRA were observed for other groups. The T1 to T5 trend of change in DWS was linear, with significant reduction over time, (p = .001). Additional analyses were conducted to evaluate change in secondary variables. Participants in the Crossword Puzzle group experienced significant increases in subjective memory difficulties (p < .001) and perceived stress (p = .04) after software use. Participants in the intervention groups were more likely to endorse subjective cognitive improvement compared to the No Treatment group (p < .05). Correlates of DRA included age, years of education, and family history of ADRD. Lumosity© software outperformed crossword puzzles in reduction of DRA. Lumosity© is marketed as a cognitively stimulating activity intended to support cognition. Regardless of whether Lumosity© improves cognition, if participants believe the software helps, DRA may reduce with use.