A-172: Cognitive Training, Driving Continuation, and Mobility Outcomes Over 10 Years in the ACTIVE Trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether memory, reasoning, and speed-of-processing training was associated with safer or more sustained driving and mobility outcomes over a period of 10 years after the ACTIVE trial began. Method/Data Selection: The ACTIVE trial was a multisite, randomized control trial that involved 2,832 individuals aged between 65 and 94 years who lived in communities in six different metropolitan areas in the United States. Each participant was to be randomized into one of three groups: memory, reasoning, and speed-of-processing training, or a no-contact control group. Participants underwent a series of assessments of their memory, inductive reasoning, processing speed, problem solving skills, daily living skills, complex reaction time, and general functional abilities, as well as their driving habits and mobility skills over a 10 year period. Statistical models were used to determine whether any differences in the groups were associated with driving and mobility outcomes. Results/Data Synthesis: Participants who underwent training in the areas of processing speed and in reasoning exhibited long-term benefits to their processing speed and reasoning abilities, and those with higher levels of processing speed and reasoning abilities were later found to have driven more and had fewer mobility limitations than the no-contact control group after 10 years. Memory training was associated with some benefits to memory skills, but not advantages to driving or mobility skills. Conclusions: Since cognitive training was associated with advantages in driving and mobility after 10 years, it is possible to suggest that cognitive training may be a beneficial intervention for older adults to maintain their mobility and driving skills.