Group-Based Cognitive Training in Non-WEIRD Older Adults

Background Cognitive training (CT) interventions can improve brain health, yet research is heavily skewed toward Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations. Racial and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in dementia prevention studies, despite facing unique structural and cultural barriers. This study evaluated a culturally adapted, group-based CT programme delivered in Arabic to older adults in Northern Israel. Methods A parallel-group controlled trial was conducted with 80 Arabic-speaking participants (aged ≥ 60) recruited from community day-care centres. Participants were assigned to one of four parallel groups (n = 20 each): Cognitive Training (CT) only, Physical Exercise (PE) only (active control), Combined CT and PE, or No-Intervention control. The intervention consisted of eight weekly group sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included global cognition (MoCA), memory (CVLT-II, ROCFT), executive function (BRIEF-A), and physical performance. Results Participants in both the CT-only and Combined (CT + PE) groups demonstrated significant improvements in global cognition and memory performance compared to controls. The Physical Exercise group, despite serving as an active control for social engagement, showed no significant cognitive gains. Furthermore, combining physical exercise with cognitive training did not produce additive cognitive benefits over CT alone. Conclusions Community-based, culturally adapted CT delivered in participants' native language effectively improved global cognition and memory in a minority older adult population. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and importance of culturally grounded interventions in narrowing brain-health disparities beyond WEIRD populations.