Abstract
Cognitive deficits are frequent after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in the elderly population. In fact, memory
and attention deficits can persist several months after the surgery. Recent studies with healthy older adults have shown that
memory and attention can be improved through cognitive training programs. The present study examined whether memory training
(method of loci and story generation) and attentional training (dual-task computerized training) could improve cognitive functions
in patients aged 65 years and older who underwent CABG surgery. Participants (n = 51) were assigned to one of three groups:
(1) control group (tested at 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery), (2) attention training followed by memory training, (3)
memory training followed by attention training (groups 2 and 3: tested at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after the surgery). The trainings
took place between the 6th and 10th week following the surgery. The three groups were compared before and after each training
program using attention and memory tests and neuropsychological tests. The results showed that attention and memory trainings
lead to significant improvement in the cognitive domain that was trained. It thus seems that cognitive training can be a promising
tool to enhance cognitive functions after a CABG surgery.
and attention deficits can persist several months after the surgery. Recent studies with healthy older adults have shown that
memory and attention can be improved through cognitive training programs. The present study examined whether memory training
(method of loci and story generation) and attentional training (dual-task computerized training) could improve cognitive functions
in patients aged 65 years and older who underwent CABG surgery. Participants (n = 51) were assigned to one of three groups:
(1) control group (tested at 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery), (2) attention training followed by memory training, (3)
memory training followed by attention training (groups 2 and 3: tested at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after the surgery). The trainings
took place between the 6th and 10th week following the surgery. The three groups were compared before and after each training
program using attention and memory tests and neuropsychological tests. The results showed that attention and memory trainings
lead to significant improvement in the cognitive domain that was trained. It thus seems that cognitive training can be a promising
tool to enhance cognitive functions after a CABG surgery.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9384-y
- Authors
- Emilie de Tournay-Jetté, Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Case Postale 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Gilles Dupuis, Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Case Postale 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- André Denault, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000, Rue Bélanger, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
- Raymond Cartier, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000, Rue Bélanger, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
- Louis Bherer, Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Case Postale 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715