Amy Overman publishes research on cognitive intervention for older adults

Amy A. Overman, an associate professor in the psychology department and a faculty member in Elon University’s neuroscience program, has published an article reporting the development of a noncomputerized, game-based, community cognitive health intervention. The purpose of the intervention was to improve cognitive performance and quality of life among minority and lower socioeconomic status (SES) older adults, who may not have access to computer-based cognitive training activities. Dr. Overman adapted a proven form of computer-based cognitive training into a card game that can be played with a standard deck of cards. Minority and lower SES older adults in the community were then assembled for weekly meetings to  play the card game along with other cognitively challenging games. The results indicated that this intervention is a promising avenue for attempting to improve cognitive ability among underserved populations of older adults. This project is part of Overman’s ongoing research into neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change itself. Overman’s prior work in this area also includes computer-based cognitive training for rehabilitation after cerebral malaria. The article was published in the October issue of Games for Health Journal, and was co-authored with Ruth Robbins ’12 who contributed to the research as part of her Lumen Prize project.