Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, progressive illness. It is a multi-system disease that influences not only the motor but also the cognitive and autonomic systems. The main cognitive impairment in individuals with PD is found in executive function (EF). EF is defined as a set of cognitive skills necessary for planning, monitoring and executing sequences of complex activities. The primary study hypothesis is that computer-based training aimed at improving executive function will have a beneficial effect on gait functions.
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, progressive illness. It is a multi-system disease that influences not only the motor but also the cognitive and autonomic systems. The main cognitive impairment in individuals with PD is found in executive function (EF). EF is defined as a set of cognitive skills necessary for planning, monitoring and executing sequences of complex activities. Previous studies have revealed some relation between cognitive states and physical functions in healthy adults. Few studies have examined the effect of computer-based cognitive training on various populations. These studies showed a positive emotional-cognitive effect in those populations. This type of intervention plan was also applied to PD patients. However, there are no reports on the effect of intentional cognitive training on gait functions. The purpose of the study is to assess whether cognitive training, designed to improve EF ability, can also improve gait function in PD patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
A 12 week computerized cognitive training at home with the Attengo™ software program.
Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District
Haifa, Israel
Gait Function
At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-term cognitive and motor changes.
Time frame: 18 weeks
Executive function
At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-term cognitive and motor changes.
Time frame: 18 weeks
Quality of life.
At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-run cognitive and motor changes.
Time frame: 18 weeks
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