The Acceptability and Potential Utility of Cognitive Training to Improve Working Memory in Persons Living With HIV: A Preliminary Randomized Trial.
Sheri L Towe, Puja Patel, Christina S Meade
PMID 28442186WHAT IT FOUND
Adults with HIV and working memory impairment improved on a working memory test after computerized training, while control scores stayed nearly the same, but this was a small preliminary trial.
Key findings
01Active training raised working memory scores from 45.08 to 51.33, while control scores moved from 43.89 to 43.15.
02Participants completed an average of 11.38 of 12 sessions, and 20 of 21 returned for follow-up.
03No gains were found in the other domains tested.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small, so the result needs confirmation in a larger trial. The study team knew group assignments after randomization. Follow-up was short, so it does not show whether gains last. The training tasks overlapped with the working memory test, so gains may be task-specific. Participants had only moderate working memory impairment, so results may not apply to more severe impairment. Recruitment was difficult; many people declined or were excluded before an appointment.
Declared interests
The authors reported no real or perceived vested interests.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that this training will improve everyday memory or last over time. The trial was small, the follow-up was short, and the training tasks overlapped with the memory test.