SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a method that could offer a therapeutic approach to counteract cognitive decline and dementia by using a variety of simple computerized tasks to measure and train brain processing.
BACKGROUND:
Cognitive training approaches, such as online programs that consist of games to improve memory, attention, and problem solving have shown to improve individual’s performance in computerized cognitive tasks. However, current approaches require extensive daily practice and it has yet to be determined if benefits from such tasks are robust, long-lasting, and can be generalized to other tasks and daily life function. Therefore, there is a need for a better approach that is less effortful, more efficient, and would translate into general improvement of memory and cognition in daily life.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a novel method of Cognitive Assessment and Training. The method uses a sophisticated computational method and has been tested and verified on hundreds of subjects and is considered the gold-standard in the field. New findings suggest that it can also potentially allow for prediction of cognitive decline when compared with benchmark data in a given age group. Furthermore, training in simple tasks can be utilized to enhance memory and cognition, serving as a therapeutic intervention to memory and cognitive decline.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Analysis of sensory patient responses
- Assessment of cognitive function
- Prediction of cognitive decline
- Cognitive function improvement
- Therapeutic for cognitive decline and dementia
- Memory improvement
ADVANTAGES:
- High accuracy and precision of assessment
- Simple and efficient assessment of cognitive function
- Simple and efficient training for cognitive enhancement
- Simple and efficient training for remediation of cognitive decline
DEVELOPMENT TO DATE:
First successful description of complete invention