3rd International Workshop on Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health

Research Article

Computer-based cognitive intervention for dementia. Sociable: motivating platform for elderly networking, mental reinforcement and social interaction

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252155,
        author={Chiara Zaccarelli and Giulio Cirillo and Simone Passuti and Roberta Annicchiarico and Francesco Barban},
        title={Computer-based cognitive intervention for dementia. Sociable: motivating platform for elderly networking, mental reinforcement and social interaction},
        proceedings={3rd International Workshop on Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health},
        publisher={IEEE},
        proceedings_a={MINDCARE},
        year={2013},
        month={5},
        keywords={information and communication technology mild cognitive impairment alzheimer’s disease computer-based cognitive training social activation},
        doi={10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252155}
    }
    
  • Chiara Zaccarelli
    Giulio Cirillo
    Simone Passuti
    Roberta Annicchiarico
    Francesco Barban
    Year: 2013
    Computer-based cognitive intervention for dementia. Sociable: motivating platform for elderly networking, mental reinforcement and social interaction
    MINDCARE
    IEEE
    DOI: 10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252155
Chiara Zaccarelli1,*, Giulio Cirillo1, Simone Passuti2, Roberta Annicchiarico3, Francesco Barban3
  • 1: Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital AUSL Forlì
  • 2: s.p.a. Cedaf Division
  • 3: Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS Roma
*Contact email: chiarazaccarelli78@gmail.com

Abstract

Recent research results manifest that mental activity, as well as social interaction are key prerequisites for preventing or delaying the progression of dementia.
The primary objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of a novel computer-based cognitive training and social activation program on the cognition, the affection and the functional abilities of cognitively intact elderly, patients with MCI and patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We performed a randomized, controlled trail of a computer-based cognitive training on 348 elderly subject distributed in three target groups, who attended a training program of 24 sessions of 60 minutes of duration (individual or in group), twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures showed that the treatment group, who performed exercises specifically designed to enhance the cognitive functions, compared to the not intervention control group, improved the cognitive status with significant evidence mainly on memory and executive functions.