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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Patti Said, Executive Director, New England Cognitive Center, 151 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, (860) 212-3220, pacsaid@sbcglobal.net

The New England Cognitive Center (NECC) has developed interactive cognitive training programs that offer participants with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias cognitive “workouts” designed to effectively reduce decline and improve some cognitive and behavioral functions. The New England Cognitive Center's Brain G.Y.M.M. Program consists of two primary interventions which may be used independently from one another or in combination. Both programs are comprised of exercises that target specific areas, including attention, memory, problem solving, planning and language. Participant progress is tracked through a comprehensive research study which has determined that the programs are effective in slowing the rate of cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Since the Program's inception in July 2005, over 150 individuals have participated in the Program, and nearly 1,500 computer contacts and over 3,100 workshop contacts have been made. Of the approximately 150 clients who have participated in the Brain G.Y.M.M. Program, none have shown significant decline in the seven months they have been actively involved in the Program. Moreover, analysis of research data indicates that participants have experienced actual gains in several cognitive areas, including short-term memory, new learning, visual-motor coordination, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility and attention. In fact, one group of individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease residing in a secure memory unit in an assisted living community demonstrated gains of 22.64% in overall cognitive functioning, 44.16% in short term memory and 44.61% in behavioral measures.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the G.Y.M.M program.
• Discuss outcomes measured and analyzed.

Keywords: Aging, Evidence Based Practice

Awards: The Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation - Recipient

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation