Older adults’ experiences of a computerised cognitive training intervention: a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT

Objective

Computerised cognitive training (CCT) is gaining in popularity and has shown evidence of efficacy in improving cognitive function. Older adults’ experiences of a CCT intervention were explored using mixed methods, focussing on computer literacy and engagement.

Methods

Seven older adults completed pre-operative CCT (pre-habilitation) and a 12-week post-operative CCT (rehabilitation) intervention as part of an ongoing clinical trial. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-training to explore CCT experiences and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three questionnaires were used to characterise participants: Computer Proficiency Questionnaire-12, Short Computer Anxiety Scale, User-Engagement Scale-Short Form.

Results

Four key themes were identified from the interview data: “I appreciate a challenge”, “Persevering through frustration led to accomplishment”, “When I start, I finish”, and “It’s manageable but with support”.

Conclusion

All participants had positive CCT experiences, including those with low computer-literacy skills. CCT interventions should consider utilising regular supervised sessions, and achievable, challenging exercises, while focussing on reducing frustration to improve experiences with CCT.

KEY POINTS

What is already known about this topic:

1. Computerised cognitive training (CCT) has demonstrated evidence for improving overall and domain-specific cognitive function in healthy older adults, and older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

2. Low adherence is common in CCT interventions, which limits beneficial cognitive outcomes.

3. Negative experiences in CCT interventions are major drivers of non-adherence and attrition.

What this topic adds:

1. Experiences during CCT often fluctuate, and frustration occurs when participants compare their perceived and actual abilities.

2. Recommendations from qualitative interviews include the use of attainable, challenging exercises that can be completed more efficiently with improved skill.

3. Support strategies contributed to positive experiences overall and included regular supervised sessions (e.g., once a week), phone numbers to call for assistance, and screen sharing software to resolve computer problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Ageing
• cognition
• cognitive training
• computer literacy
• motivation

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the CAIN Team who have been involved with the ongoing clinical trial. The Cognitive CABG Study (U1111-1213-7811) is registered at ANZCTR.

Disclosure statement

Accounts for the computerised cognitive training website Happy Neuron Inc (2019) were provided free of charge for use as part of the larger clinical trial.

The larger study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council under the Boosting Dementia Research Leadership Fellowship (GNT 1135676), and the Heart Foundation under the Vanguard Grant (101758).

Data availability statement

The de-identified interview transcripts that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (KT) or A/Prof Hannah Keage ([email protected]) upon reasonable request. Ethical and governance approval for the sub-study (and larger study) was obtained from the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (R20171020) and the University of South Australia (0000034053) Human Research Ethics Committees (Greaves et al., 2020).

Notes

^1. The present institutional affiliation for Katie Trenorden is Bellberry Limited. Bellberry Limited is not associated with any of the work carried out for this study.

Additional information

Funding

The larger study [ACTRN12618000799257] was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council under the Boosting Dementia Research Leadership Fellowship [GNT 1135676], and the Heart Foundation under the Vanguard Grant [101758].