This is a non-pharmacological study evaluating the impact of a computerized cognitive stimulation program on verbal learning and on the progression white matter hyperintensities in elderly with mild cognitive impairment.
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) can appear in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and have been associated to executive, attention and processing speed deficits. Some findings indicate that the presence of WMH may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in addition to ß-amyloid, suggesting a greater vulnerability of MCI. One important challenge is to prevent or slowing down the progression of WMH. Few studies investigated the effects of computerized cognitive interventions in MCI with WMH, which deserve special attention. This study aim to investigate the effects of an intensive computer-based cognitive stimulation (CCS) program on the verbal learning in episodic memory in MCI with WMH and to explore the effects on the progression of WMH at 1-year interval.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
90
Experimental group will receive 1 year of a computer-based cognitive stimulation program, first 6 months, 60-minutes twice a week and next 6 months once a week training in group-setting, using a tablet with a software with specific training focused on attention, executive and speed processing functions.
Change on Rey Auditory Verbal Learning test
Assessment of verbal learning in episodic memory
Time frame: Baseline assessment in 3-weeks period before intervention, change from baseline at 6-months immediately after the end intervention, and after 3-months follow-up
Change on Fazekas scale
Assessment of white matter hyperintentisites severity on MRI
Time frame: Baseline assessment of WMH severity and evolution at 12 months immediately after intervention
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