Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
427674416
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Frasca, Diana,1981-
Title
The effects of mentally effortful processing on cognitive performance in healthy elderly people.
Degree
M. Sc. -- University of Toronto, 2006
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2007]
Description
1 microfiche
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Past studies have demonstrated a correlation between cognitive functioning and participation in stimulating activities in the elderly; however, the causality of this relationship has yet to be determined. Recent pilot studies from our lab have demonstrated brief and intensive cognitive stimulation enhances cognitive functioning in healthy young adults. 'Objective'. To replicate and extend pilot findings to healthy elderly people. 'Hypothesis'. High-cognitive stimulation (HC) will show greater improvement than low-cognitive stimulation (LC), which will show greater improvement than no-cognitive stimulation (NC). 'Methods'. Participants (N=56) received a baseline neuropsychological assessment and were assigned to either the HC, LC or NC group. Cognitive performance was reassessed post-intervention. 'Results'. Only limited support for HC improvement over LC; however, strong support for HC and LC improvement, as compared to NC, more so in "older" elderly. 'Conclusions'. While HC stimulation may enhance cognitive function, so too does social stimulation alone. Moreover, eldest seem to benefit most from stimulation.
ISBN
9780494214060
0494214066