Improving Thinking in Everyday Life: Pilot Study A

"Speed of Processing Training (SOPT). Speed of processing training involves trainer-guided practice of computer-based video games. The games require the player to identify targets that are presented very briefly. SOPT has the primary aim of improving the fluid ability of mental processing speed such that trainees can process increasingly more information and increasingly more complex information over briefer periods of time. The training primarily involves practice with feedback. Trainers also offer suggestions, encouragement, and personalized modifications of difficulty for the trainee according to a specified protocol. At a display speed and task difficulty level tailored to their ability, trainees practice blocks of 16 trials. Trainees receive immediate feedback after each trial and see their total correct trials at the end of each block of trials. Trainers tell the trainees that their goal is to achieve performance of 10 to 12 correct trials for each training block."

Behavioral Contract. At the outset of treatment, the therapist negotiates a contract with the participant and caregiver, if one is available.Daily home diary. During treatment, the participants catalog the ADL and IADL for the part of the day spent outside the laboratory. Daily administration of the Cognitive Task Activity Log (CTAL). The CTAL collects information about attempts by the participant to complete ADL and IADL. Problem Solving. The therapist helps participants to think through any barriers to completing ADL and IADL independently. Home skill assignments during treatment. Participants are assigned on a written check-off sheet 10 specific ADL tasks. Home skill assignments after treatment. Toward the end of treatment, a written individualized post-treatment program is developed containing a list of up to 10 IADL for each day of the week. Post-treatment telephone contacts. Participants are contacted during the 12 month period after treatment to evaluate treatment outcomes.