[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MENTAL EXERCISES FOR SENIORS

  Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, today I wish to call attention to the 
ACTIVE, or Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital 
Elderly, study on mental exercises for seniors. The study, conducted by 
researchers at the University of Florida College of Public Health and 
Health Professions, showed that older adults who receive cognitive 
training can significantly improve their reasoning and mental 
processing skills. Elderly patients were coached and assessed in 
memory, reasoning, and processing speed at baseline. The study 
participants were then reassessed at intervals of 2, 3, 5, and 10 
years. The result was that participants who received cognitive training 
reported significantly less difficulty with activities of daily living. 
Most patients achieved improved reasoning and mental processing speed 
at the end of the study, the results of which may be found in the 
January 13 online issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics 
Society.
  These results echo findings from Senate Special Committee on Aging in 
its recent work on improving quality of life for seniors who suffer 
from Alzheimer's and dementia. The Committee's 2012 report, entitled 
``Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Comparison of International 
Approaches,'' stated that ``individuals who are cognitively active--
such as individuals who regularly read or do crossword puzzles--are at 
a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI)--an early 
symptom of dementia and AD, Alzheimer's disease--because they have 
increased cognitive reserve.''
  The Senate Special Committee on Aging is also committed to embracing 
innovative brain health care advances for seniors. During our 
committee's recent Healthy Aging Forum, various groups invested in 
senior health care shared novel ideas for better mental health care and 
quality of life. These included research and medical technology devices 
that sharpen senior memory, thinking, and cognitive processing skills. 
Among these were Microsoft Kinect software, which uses cognitive and 
mental diagnostic, rehabilitative, and routine mental game-based 
exercises to help improve senior brain health and fine motor skills. 
Loneliness, which adversely impacts brain health and increases risk for 
dementia in seniors, can be minimized by engaging seniors with the 
Gerijoy avatar--also showcased at the Healthy Aging Forum--an 
interactive virtual pet companion that strengthens seniors' mental 
capabilities by providing opportunities for meaningful interaction.
  The University of Florida Institute on Aging, another invited 
exhibitor at the Senate Health Aging Forum, is currently conducting a 
LIFE, Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders, study in 
which the effect of physical activity and/or aging health education on 
senior mobility and independence are being assessed. Cognitive function 
and impairment are also being examined as a part of the study.
  The Senate Special Committee on Aging has conducted numerous hearings 
on Alzheimer's in recent years, coinciding with my cosponsorship of the 
HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, S.709/H.R.1507, which will improve diagnosis 
and care planning services for patients with Alzheimer's. A panel of 
witnesses from the government, academia, and the Alzheimer's 
Association discussed recent advancements in these areas in an April 
2013 hearing entitled, ``The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's 
Disease: Are We On Track to 2025?'' An updated 2013 version of the 
national plan also highlights anticipated milestones in prevention of 
the disease. Lifestyle modifications and identification of Alzheimer's 
and dementia risk factors are included as part of the plan.
  I have long been a tireless advocate in the fight against Alzheimer's 
and dementia. As the chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, 
I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure the health and well-
being of our seniors. Although much progress has been made, we still 
have a long way to go in ensuring the best possible quality of life for 
Americans in their later years.

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