Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Brain HQ Modules vs. Active Controls for Elderly Survivors of ICU

Medical College of Wisconsin1 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this project is to test whether an online cognitive rehabilitation program or online thinking exercises helps improve memory and thinking in elderly patients who survive a severe infection.

Currently, over 50% of patients are estimated to develop an Alzheimer's like disease following their hospitalization. This means they might have trouble remembering simple things or doing simple tasks. This can make returning to normal life difficult. This project will test whether online thinking exercises can help speed up patient's recovery.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Neurocognitive Disorders

Interventions

Brain HQ Cognitive ModulesBEHAVIORAL

Online personalized cognitive therapy modules to address and improve neuroplasticity.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital (FMLH) 2. Diagnosis of Sepsis 3. Age 65 years or older 4. Required mechanical ventilation or vasopressor therapy while in the ICU 5. Had delirium while in the ICU Exclusion Criteria: 1. Non-English Speaking 2. Severe Dementia that would interfere with the ability to participate in the study activities 3. Prior or current structural neurological injury that would confound study results 4. Inability to communicate for any reason 5. Current chemotherapy or radiation treatment 6. Recent history of substance abuse 7. Life expectancy \< 6 months 8. Planned discharge to long term acute care facility or nursing home 9. Lack reliable access to the internet either through a computer or smart device

Locations (1)

Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Tailored Online Cognitive Rehabilitation

Older survivors of sepsis will demonstrate \> 80% adherence to a tailored cognitive rehabilitation program

Time frame: 3 months

Adherence to Online Intervention Modules

In recruited survivors of sepsis investigator will measure adherence to a facilitated structured neurocognitive rehabilitation program (administered as one-hour sessions, three days per week for 3 months) via a computer or smart device/phone.

Time frame: 3 months

Secondary Outcomes

Improvement in Neurocognitive Function part 1

A structured cognitive rehabilitation program will significantly improve neurocognitive function in older survivors of sepsis as measured by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) 40 - 160 scale measuring Immediate Memory, Visuospatial/Constructional, Language, Attention and Delayed Memory , Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Trail Making Test.

Time frame: 6 months

Improvement in Neurocognitive Function part 2

A structured cognitive rehabilitation program will significantly improve neurocognitive function in older survivors of sepsis as measured by Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Trail Making Test and Symbol-Digit Modality Test measuring the duration it takes to complete the test.

Time frame: 6 months

Measure Differences in Cognitive Performance

Investigators will measure differences in cognitive performance at 3 and 6 months using the above mentioned tests in participants with active neurocognitive rehabilitation intervention as compared to controls. Consistent with the National Academy of Medicine recommendations the control group will receive an active intervention. This will include mind stimulating games such as Brain HQ crossword puzzles and Sudoku modules measuring the ability to complete and duration.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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