Improving sustained attention and working memory of Down syndrome patients through Computer-based Cognitive rehabilitation

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of mental disorder. This disease causes a decrease in sustained attention and working memory in children.

This research determines the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in improving sustained attention and working memory in Down syndrome patients. This research is a semi-experimental design of single-subject designs with multiple baselines. We selected 9 patients with Down syndrome by sampling at convenience, placed then the subjects in three different baselines and randomly entered into treatment the baselines three, five, and seven. We implemented the intervention for 20 sessions. In order to investigate and measure cognitive variables, we evaluated the tests of Wechsler intelligence (direct-inverted digit span), Tower of London, continuous performance, Stroop and Cressi cubes. Statistical visual analysis shows that the score of the subjects has changed in terms of effect size and recovery percentage. The results indicate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in improving cognitive deficits (working memory and sustained attention) of children and adolescents with Down syndrome.