Vision and hearing difficulty and effects of cognitive training in older adults

Abstract BACKGROUND Cognitive training is delivered visually and aurally. It is unknown whether self‐reported sensory difficulty modifies the effects of cognitive training on cognition. METHODS Participants (N = 2788) in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study were randomized to training in memory, reasoning, speed of processing, or control. Differences in the 10‐year effect of cognitive training on cognition by self‐reported vision and hearing difficulty were assessed using linear mixed effect models. RESULTS Benefit (intervention vs. control) of reasoning training was smaller among participants with versus without vision difficulty (difficulty: –0.25, 95% confidence interval: [–0.88, 0.39], no difficulty: 0.58 [0.28, 0.89]). Benefit of memory training was greater for participants with versus without hearing difficulty (difficulty: 0.17 [–0.37, 0.72], no difficulty: –0.20 [–0.65, 0.24]). DISCUSSION Older adults with sensory loss have increased risk for cognitive decline; benefits of cognitive training may be greater for these individuals. Sensory loss should be considered in training design. Highlights Memory training was more beneficial for participants with hearing loss. Participants with vision difficulties did not benefit as much from reasoning training. Low accessibility in design and learned compensation strategies may contribute. Consideration of sensory impairment in study design is needed. Inclusion of older adults with sensory impairment in cognitive training is needed.