Abstract
The objective: Selective attention or so-called filtering efficiency determines the capacity of working memory (WM) and to some extent co-determines its content. Persons, who are able to successfully inhibit irrelevant information, have greater WM capacity compared to those less successful in the inhibition.
The filtering efficiency and working memory capacity can be assessed with the "Change Detection Task" (CDT). CDT was examined as a test, however, there are only a few studies using CDT as a training task and only one of them involved older adults.
Our version of CDT called "Filter It" was developed and the main aim was to examine its effectiveness as a training task in older adults. Methods: The sample includes 62 community-dwelling retired healthy older persons aged 60-75 years.
Participants were divided into two groups through randomization and minimization scheme (experimental (EX) and active control group (ACG)). All participants underwent three neuropsychological assessments (pre-test, post-test, and and follow-up test (6 months after post-test)) including Filter It.
Also, they underwent 6-week of individual cognitive training through the application on a tablet. The experimental group trained with the application "Filter It", active control group trained with "Clouds" application.
Both groups trained in the same intensity and frequency. Results and conclusion: Performance of EX compared to ACG significantly improved (p<0.05) in both subtests of Filter It (Colors, Shapes).
Improvement in both Filter it tasks is present in post-test and follow-up test. Moreover, performance in Filter it tasks (max level, hits) is significantly associated (p<0.05) with the performance in VPT, TMT or PST, especially with subtests more executively demanding.