cognitive training; cognitive functions

The aim of this review is to find out the impact of computerized cognitive training on cognitive functions of older adults without cognitive impairment. Method: To search relevant studies the following review question was set: Is computerized cognitive training in cognitively healthy older adults effective for improving cognitive functions? The search was conducted in several databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Bibliographica Medica Czechoslovaca using keywords (cognitive-based training, computerized cognitive training, cognitive training, healthy older people, elderly) and their combinations using Boolean operators. Results: Five systematic reviews and 18 original papers were selected and included in the further analysis. The results of analysed systematic reviews indicate at least a small to moderate effect of computerized cognitive training on cognitive functions of older adults without cognitive impairment. While some of the analysed primary studies indicate improvement of cognitive function in the trained areas without effect on other non-trained areas, other studies have shown an effect of computerized cognitive training also in other areas, e.g. improvement of visual spatial abilities, working memory, attention, executive functions or delayed recall.