The investigators will conduct a randomized placebo-controlled trial of a computerized intervention targeting working memory in 30 children with comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette Syndrome (TS).
Because impairments in executive functions (EFs), such as working memory, are associated with functional impairments in youth with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, strategies that target EFs are critical. Neuroplasticity-based cognitive training has been found to improve cognition in youth with ADHD and in adults with schizophrenia. In this trial, the investigators seek to extend the relevance of computerized cognitive training to youth with comorbid ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. Given the literature, the investigators hypothesize that computerized working memory training will produce gains in untrained cognitive tasks and behavioral ratings of executive functions in youth with ADHD+TS. The investigators will assess aspects of attention and executive functions in 30 affected youth and randomize them 1:1 to either neuroplasticity-based cognitive training or enjoyable age-appropriate computer games not intended to improve cognition. Cognition will be assessed again after 30 training sessions over 6 weeks and then again at a one-month follow-up.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
The instructors have selected a set of computer exercises designed to specifically target working memory, which is a cognitive construct relevant to ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. The tasks were designed to benefit subjects through principles of learning-dependent plasticity.
Engaging games not designed to improve cognition.
Spatial Working Memory (SWM) subtest from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
The SWM subtest assesses working memory.
Time frame: 3 months
Spatial Span (SSP) subtest from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
The SSP subtest assesses working memory.
Time frame: 3 months
The Working Memory Index from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
Parent and teacher ratings on the Working Memory Index of the BRIEF assess working memory.
Time frame: 3 months
The Behavioral Regulation Index from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
Parent and teacher ratings on the Behavioral Regulation Index of the BRIEF assess working memory.
Time frame: 3 months
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