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Background: Higher recency effect in episodic memory (EM) has been found for MCI and dementia (Martin et al., 2013; Campos et al., 2016). Additional research should be conducted on the pre‐symptomatic stages and on their ability to predict progression to cognitive decline. Our aim is to analyze the differences in the serial‐position effect in cognitively unimpaired and MCI participants that revert, remain stable or worsen. Method: A sample of 162 participants from the CompAS were classified in five groups considering change or stability from its baseline diagnoses to the 2nd follow‐up (48‐76 months after baseline) as follows: Stable‐SCC (SCC who remain stable; N = 97), Worsen‐SCC (SCC who worsening to MCI/dementia; N = 32), Stable‐MCI (MCI who remain stable; N = 13), Worsen‐MCI (MCI who worsening to dementia; N = 8), and Reverters (participants who revert from MCI; N = 12). The Spanish version of the CVLT were administered and corrected regional scores were computed (see Campos et al., 2016). A mixed model was carried out to test group differences considering the intrasubject factors Regions (Primacy, Middle, Recency) and Measurements (baseline, 1st follow‐up, 2nd follow‐up). Results: Significant effects was found for the interaction between Group*Region*Measurement also achieved significance (F(16,628) = 1.87; p<.021; ηp2 =.045, observed power =.957). Differences between Measurements were not found in any Region for Reverters and Stable‐SCC. In both, Stable‐MCI and Worsen‐SCC groups differences showed better performance in 1st than in 2nd follow‐up in Middle and poor retrieval in Baseline than in 2nd follow‐up in Recency regions. Worsen‐MCI showed better retrieval in Baseline than in 2nd follow‐up for the Middle region but poor retrieval in Baseline than in 1st and 2nd follow‐up for the Recency region (see Figure 1). Group differences were found mainly in Middle and Recency regions (see Table 1) and in the 1st and particularly 2nd follow‐up showing poor retrieval particularly for the Worsen‐MCI. Conclusions: Recency effect becomes prominent compensatory mechanism as cognitive decline progress. Retrieval in Middle region decrease only MCI participants. Poor retrieval in Middle region scores could be useful to improve identification of SCC at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The design of a narrative video game for cognitive training of memory and executive functions in older adults with subjective and objective cognitive impairment is reported along with preliminary results on preferences (Study 1), user interaction experience (Study 2), and efficacy of the game (Study 3). A study of aesthetic preferences in backgrounds and avatars was implemented in 13 older adults, who were asked for their opinion on the acceptability of the plot. After completion of the design, a user interaction study was conducted in a sample of 19 older adults. In addition, a Matched Paired Experimental Design (MPED) was implemented as a preliminary test of the efficacy of the narrative video game in a sample of 22 participants with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Preferences for free violence content in videogames was supported in our sample of low-frequency adult gamers and acceptability of the plot was high. The video game was rated favourably by the older adults in terms of user preferences and acceptability. The results of the preliminary MPED study suggest that the video game could be a useful tool for cognitive training in SCD and MCI older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study examines cognitive diversity through performance of four attentional tasks and a vocabulary measure in relation to age and level of education. Tasks were performed by 168 participants (aged between 45 and 91 years) who were grouped according to age and level of education. Multivariate analyses of variance were applied to Z scores calculated from intersubject coefficients of variation. When the variance associated with education was discounted prior to analysis, a disproportionate increase in cognitive diversity was observed in participants over 75 years of age. When cognitive diversity was analyzed in relation to age and education in the three youngest age groups, participants with a low level of education displayed higher diversity in most attentional tasks from 66 years of age. In participants with a high level of education, diversity was lower for all attentional tasks considered from 56 years of age. Vocabulary knowledge was the most sensitive to education-related cognitive diversity. The diversifying effect of the relationship between education and diversity on fluid cognitive performance appeared to reverse and become a homogenizing effect with increasing age. more...