Computer-based training and cognitive improvement after adult-onset malaria: A case report

Article type: Case Report

Authors: Overman, Amy A.

Affiliations: Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program, Elon University, CB 2337, Elon, NC 27244, USA. Tel.: +1 336 278 5152; Fax: +1 336 278 6397; E-mail: aoverman@elon.edu

Abstract: Malaria infection is known to cause cognitive impairments in children and adults. To date, very little research has investigated the efficacy of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation after cerebral malaria, particularly in adults. The aim of this study was to examine whether computer-based cognitive training can be employed to rehabilitate memory and attentional deficits after cerebral malaria, particularly in adults. The current study examines the case of a 20-year-old female who acquired malaria on trip to Ghana. One year after her infection she still exhibited below-average performance on a number of neuropsychological assessments. A computer-based cognitive training program was undertaken for 14 weeks. At the end of training, performance improved on the majority of assessments and was within the normal range for all assessments. The participant also displayed greater improvements from pre-test to post-test than a normal control participant who did not complete cognitive training. The findings extend prior research on cerebral malaria and suggest possible rehabilitation methods for adults who experience cognitive impairments following malaria infection.

Keywords: Cognitive training, cerebral malaria, memory, attention, perceptual processing, rehabilitation, computer-based training

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2012-0732

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 101-107, 2012