Does Computer Use Improve Older Adults’ Cognitive Functioning? Evidence From the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Numerous longitudinal studies suggest that technology use in late adulthood is associated with cognitive benefits. Using data from a randomized controlled trial, the current study examined whether computer use improves cognition in older adults with little to no previous computer experience. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used data from the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) trial. Community-dwelling older adults with little previous computer experience (MAge = 76.15) were randomly assigned to learn and use a computer (the PRISM system, n = 150) or interact with parallel content delivered in a nondigital format (paper binder, n = 150) for 12 months. Objective and subjective cognitive outcomes were measured before (pretest) and after the intervention (posttest). Latent change score models and Bayesian analysis of variances were used to examine cognitive change at the ability and individual measure level. RESULTS: Computer training and use for 12 months did not lead to cognitive improvements at the ability level. Strong evidence against cognitive benefits at the individual measure level was also observed. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Casual computer use does not provide enough cognitive stimulation to improve cognition in late adulthood. Cognitive benefits observed in longitudinal studies may be mediated by other factors or influenced by confounding variables.

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