Can working memory training enhance cognitive performance in everyday life of older adults?

A growing number of studies show that is possible to improve working memory (WM) performance in older adults, through specific process-based training. More controversial are the results in terms of transfer benefits and their maintenance. Some of the limits of previous WM training studies with older adults are that i) transfer effects are evaluated using single indicators for each assessed ability, ii) rarely tasks related to everyday life are included. Those aspects make it difficult to draw conclusions about WM training's effectiveness. To adress the above mentioned issues, the present study evaluated, in a sample of young-old (65- 75 years), the efficacy of the verbal WM training proposed by Borella, Carretti, Riboldi and De Beni (2010) in terms of short-term and long-term gains using multiple indicators of fluid intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices and Cattell Test), and of everydaylife’s competences (EverydayProblems Solving, Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Life and Functional Living Skill Assessment). Results show benefits in the trained group, compared with an active control group, in the WM task, in fluid intelligence measures -Raven's Progressive Matrices and Cattell Test- and in one of the tasks assessing everyday abilities -EPT. The results are discussed in terms of short- term benefits and maintenance (6 months follow- up).