USF Researchers' Study Seeks "Brain Fitness" for Elders [11/24/2008]

by Barbara Perkins

USF Assistant Professor Jerri D. Edwards and colleagues in the USF School of Aging Studies are conducting a clinical trial to study cognitive decline in order to help make life better for tomorrow's seniors and also provide cognitive training to help today's seniors remain more "brain fit." The trial, called Insight, tests vision, hearing and memory, but also aims at helping seniors retain mental quickness through participation in a computerized training program that in some cases can help boost the brain’s processing speed.

"In past studies, we have shown that cognitive training has the potential to enhance the everyday lives of older adults," said Edwards. "Our current study tests memory, reaction time and visual attention."

Seniors participating in the study at the USF Cognitive Aging Laboratory and at area retirement communities are asked to identify and localize multiple moving objects on a computer screen as well as react to auditory signals. Memory and reaction time are tested as well as visual attention. Results indicate that the tests and training can increase the speed at which the tasks are performed. The testing also identified those at-risk for adverse mobility outcomes.