From: Protocols for cognitive enhancement. A user manual for Brain Health Services—part 5 of 6
Main intervention type | Objective(s) | |
---|---|---|
Cognitive training | Repeated practice (RP) | To train a specific cognitive function, such as attention, by repeating a set of actions numerous times (e.g., in a video game or in mindfulness) to improve its performances (speed processing, decreasing the rate of errors for video game, or staying focus on breath and body sensations for mindfulness). It is often referred to as a restorative approach in patients' studies. |
Strategic learning (SL) | To optimize daily living functioning by learning strategies to optimally memorize new information, or by learning new methods to organize objects at home. It often contains psychoeducation and is referred to as compensatory approach in patients’ studies. | |
Physical training (PT) | Program of structured physical exercises | To practice sustained physical activity with a program that usually contains: warm up, aerobic exercises (e.g., running), +/− resistance training, and cool down exercises (stretching/relaxation). Aerobics, in particular, is known to lead to a high pulse rate of approximately 80% of one’s O2 maximal rate, which has a positive effect on brain tissue. It can be linked to cognitive intervention or not. |
Example of active control interventions | ||
Passive programs | Watching videos or listening to music. | |
Health program | To provide knowledge and advises on health factors linked to aging (cardiovascular disease prevention for example). | |
Stretching program | To reinforce strength and, balance as well as relaxation. |