Cognitive Control Mechanisms in Older Adults

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in older adults is on the rise, affecting 13 to 37% of older adults globally. These symptoms significantly impact health, increasing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, and impairing daily functioning and quality of life. Reduced cognitive control (CC) is a key factor contributing to depressive symptoms, affecting 40% of adults with such symptoms. Despite this, over half of affected adults do not respond well to available treatments. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has shown efficacy in improving CC but its impact on daily functioning is limited. The Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach has demonstrated promise in improving daily functioning, as measured by occupational performance (OP). We propose a novel intervention, GOLD-Cog+, combining CCT and CO-OP, to address CC and functional deficits in older adults with depressive symptoms.