The purpose of this research study is to examine the potential benefits of vortioxetine in combination with at-home computerized cognitive training program to improve cognition, such as memory, attention, and concentration. This study will compare the effectiveness of vortioxetine plus cognitive training versus placebo plus cognitive training.
The purpose of this research study is to examine the potential benefits of vortioxetine in combination with at-home computerized cognitive training program to improve cognition, such as memory, attention, and concentration. This study will compare the effectiveness of vortioxetine plus cognitive training versus placebo plus cognitive training. Vortioxetine is considered investigational when used as a treatment for age-related cognitive decline, which means that it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. Vortioxetine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for depression, and also goes by the name Trintellix (formerly known as Brintellix). That means that, while the drug itself is approved by the FDA, it is not approved for the reasons the investigators are using it in this study. Participation in this study entails an estimated 6 study visits over the course of approximately six months. Participants will complete various assessments at our lab at the Washington University School of Medicine along with check-in visits in-person or over the phone. Additionally, they will participate in at home computerized cognitive training for approximately six months, supplemented with either vortioxetine or placebo. The investigators will assess memory and problem-solving abilities using paper and pencil, computerized measures, and self-assessments of how participants feel. These tests could include numbers, letters, symbols, words, or sentences. These tests will be repeated throughout the study. If eligible to do so, participants will complete a baseline MRI scan. A subset of participants who completed a baseline MRI scan will complete another MRI scan after approximately 26 weeks of vortioxetine or placebo and at home computerized cognitive training.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
129
Online training program, 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
Change in Total Fluid Cognitive Score
Total fluid cognitive score from the NIH Toolbox as well as the speed of cognitive improvement The study utilized five cognitive tests from the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery that measured "fluid" cognition-the capacity for new learning and information processing. A higher score indicates indicates better performance on these tests. A total fluid cognitive score at or near 100 indicates ability that is average compared with others nationally. Scores around 115 suggest above-average fluid cognitive ability, while scores around 130 suggest superior ability. Conversely, a score around 85 suggests below-average fluid cognitive ability, and a score in the range of 70 or below suggests significant impairment.
Time frame: Randomization (0 weeks), 4 weeks
Change in Total Fluid Cognitive Score
Total fluid cognitive score from the NIH Toolbox as well as the speed of cognitive improvement The study utilized five cognitive tests from the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery that measured "fluid" cognition-the capacity for new learning and information processing. A higher score indicates indicates better performance on these tests. A total fluid cognitive score at or near 100 indicates ability that is average compared with others nationally. Scores around 115 suggest above-average fluid cognitive ability, while scores around 130 suggest superior ability. Conversely, a score around 85 suggests below-average fluid cognitive ability, and a score in the range of 70 or below suggests significant impairment.
Time frame: Randomization (0 weeks), 4 week, 12 week, 26 week
Participant Function
Participant function assessed using the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA). A validated test that required participants to demonstrate their competence to perform everyday functioning tasks in domains such as comprehension, planning, finances, transportation and communication. A higher scores indicates a better outcome. Scores can range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 100.
Time frame: Randomization (0 weeks), 26 weeks
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