The purpose of this study is to evaluate if systematic cognitive training can improve cognitive performance in participants (55 and older) with memory loss. This study will evaluate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for improvement in everyday cognitive and function status, in addition to long-term changes in brain networks over an 18-month period. Although there is no distribution of medication for this study, participants are required to have an at-home computer.
In this clinical trial, investigators will evaluate if systematic cognitive training can improve cognitive performance in participants with memory loss. This study is for those who have demonstrated difficulty with memory. It will evaluate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for improvement in everyday cognitive and function status, in addition to long-term changes in brain networks over an 18-month period. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to Training Group 1 or 2; therefore, one will have a 50% chance of being assigned to CCT, and a 50% chance of being assigned to Crossword Puzzle Training (CPT). During the 18- month period, participants will be asked to come to the Memory Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) for a screening evaluation, and if eligible, will return for five follow-up visits at Weeks 12, 32, 52, and 78.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
107
Computerized online cognitive training will be used to target specific cognitive abilities and neural networks to potentially improve cognitive functioning through neuroplasticity.
These are intended to mimic crossword puzzles in newspapers.
New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, United States
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Change in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog)
The modified ADAS-Cog is a cognitive battery that assesses learning, memory, language production, language comprehension, constructional praxis, ideational praxis, and orientation. Value range: 0-70. A higher score indicates worse cognition.
Time frame: [Time Frame: 78 weeks]
Change Over Time in Neuropsychological Testing Composite Score
Neuropsychological Testing Composite Score is a compiled score of all neuropsychological tests administered in the protocol, i.e. Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Block Design, Verbal Fluency, Visual Reproduction, Boston Naming Task, Trails A and B. The composite neuropsychological test battery is derived by computing the baseline z-score for each individual test and then averaging the resulting z scores. The range will be -5 to +5. z score of 0 represents the sample mean and higher z score indicates better performance.
Time frame: [Time Frame: Week 78]
Change Over Time in Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ)
FAQ: Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) measures instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as preparing balanced meals and managing personal finances. The score ranges from 0-30. A higher score indicates a greater level of impairment in the instrumental activities of daily living.
Time frame: [Time Frame: week 78]
Change Over Time in UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA)
UPSA: UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. The UPSA is a performance-based measure of functional abilities that includes measures of simulated real-world activities, for example, planning a trip to the beach, remembering documents to bring to a medical appointment, and dialing a phone number. A higher score indicates greater cognitive function. For the UPSA the z score at baseline is computed (based on the mean and SD of the raw scores). The expected range is -5 to +5 with z score of 0 representing the sample mean and higher z score indicating better performance.
Time frame: [Time Frame: week 78]
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