The effects of computer-based cognitive training program on reaction times of patients with early stage Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective: Computer-Based Cognitive Training Programs (CBCT) are considered to be effective both in reducing cognitive deficits in the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This research aimed to investigate the effects of this program on reaction times of AD and TBI patients and to evaluate its applicability for patients with various levels of cognitive dysfunction. Material and Methods: The data of patients with early-stage Possible AD or TBI who had at least 20 sessions of the CBCT program because of cognitive dysfunctions were evaluated retrospectively. The age, gender, educational status, marital status, systemic diseases, family history for dementia, and disease duration of the patients were recorded. NoroSOFT® Cognitive Training Program was applied to all participants three days a week for eight weeks. The patients' total scores, total accuracy percentages, and total levels as well as the reaction times of all patients in the first and last session of their performance, were determined at the end of the program. Results: In this study, the data of 31 patients [17 Traumatic Brain Injury (54.8%), 14 Early-Stage Alzheimer's disease (45.2%)] who completed the CBCT Program were analyzed. The mean age of Alzheimer's patients was 73.28±4.89 years, and the mean age of TBI patients was 30.94 ± 12.24 years. The reaction times at the end of the program were significantly better in both groups than before (in TBI;14.55±7.32 sec, 7.23±3.07 sec p<0.01 / in AD;  13.43±6.90 sec, 9.48±3.55 sec p<0.01). Total memory scores were found to be significantly better in patients with TBI than in patients with AD (1404.64±435.87 points, 932.47±503.06 points p=0.01, respectively) at the end of the program. There was no drop-out of the patients and no side effects were reported during the program. Conclusion: CBCT programs are easily applicable and sustainable interventions in the patients with TBI and early-stage AD. Cognitive exercises may improve patients' reaction times and should be considered in routine treatment protocols.