Dual Task Training and Cognitive Improvement
The Alzheimer’s Hub of Hope has four sections: Heroes, Highlights, Headlines and Helpers/Caregivers. This post is aligned to the headlines section.
In my December 10th post, I discussed Dr. Heather Sandison’s Reversing Alzheimer's book, research, clinic (Solcere) and memory care facility (Marama) at a high level. You can read that post here.
In her book she references dual task training 30 times. The term was familiar to me but I could not place from where or remember its definition. Dr. Sandison defines it as “doing something that requires mental focus while you move” or “combining physical movement with a mental challenge.”
Simple examples include:
walking while listening to a podcast or book and pausing every few minutes to recap what you’ve just heard.
instructor led classes such as yoga or pilates that require the participant to think before they move.
reciting a memorized poem or doing math calculations while standing on a Bosu ball or wobble board.
The most important aspect of dual task training is NOT zoning out during exercise. Riding a bicycle while listening to music is not dual task training.
The beauty of this approach is that it benefits physical and cognitive health at the same time. Dr. Sandison references research concluding that dual task training results in small to moderate improvement in cognitive function for mild cognitive impairment or full-blown dementia.
Small and moderate improvement doesn’t feel substantial until you realize that virtually all medical professionals believe any improvement is not possible and the recently approved alzheimer’s drugs only slow down cognitive decline for a short period of time without any improvement.
I’ve included several links of dual task training research in the references section at the bottom of this post.
Brain Boot Camp - Kemper Cognitive Wellness
As I was trying to remember where I heard about dual task training, it came to me that this has been one of the practices of Kemper Cognitive Wellness where Dr. Nate Bergman is the Chief Science Officer. Dr. Bergman is one of my Heroes of Alzheimer’s and I posted about him here.
Kemper Cognitive Wellness has offered a Brain Boot Camp class that combines physical and cognitive exercises with the belief that this increased cognitive load, engagement, and novelty of activity will increase blood flow to the brain and create new blood vessels.
This 44 minute Brain Boot Camp Overview Fall 2020 video describes some of the theory of dual task training and the brain domains it impacts. It also demonstrates dual task exercises at the 27 minutes mark but they had some technical difficulties so I included this short Brain Boot Camp Demo for your review.
SMARTfit - Your Brain Matters
SMARTfit is a company that has created equipment, routines and software that leverage dual task training in a manner much more sophisticated than the simple activities bullet-pointed above. Its technology is used at senior centers, fitness centers, rehabilitation facilities, YMCAs, and other facilities. I believe you can also purchase their equipment for home use.
From SMARTfit’s website:
SMARTfit’s programming focuses on developing a lightning-fast and fluid relationship between the brain and the motor system by creating new and more efficient neural connections that quickly transfer to real-world performance including activities that have never been trained.
Clinically labeled dual tasking, SMARTfit’s gamified activities demand cognitive problem-solving, flexibility, planning, decision-making, and endurance WHILE executing equally demanding physical skills. This enhances the ability of individuals at any level to combine peak mental clarity with physical execution (“in the zone”) in physically demanding and fast-changing situations.
SMARTfit has many applications including active aging and assisted programs. The active aging applications can be visited here and includes a video demonstrating use of their equipment for those 55+ years and scientific support for the company’s claims. The assisted program is for individuals using wheelchairs and walkers. The details can be found here.
Per the SMARTfit director here, they have 57 facilities in 27 states and are looking to expand.
References
Boost Your Brain and Body With Dual Task Training
Effectiveness of a Dual-Task Intervention Involving Exercise and Vocalized Cognitive Tasks
The Effect of Juggling as Dual-Task Activity on Human Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review