The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of two experimental training programs aimed at improving face processing in developmental prosopagnosia (perception training, memory training) in comparison to an active control. The investigators will use a longitudinal design and randomize developmental prosopagnosics to three parallel arms: active control, perception training and memory training.
The investigators propose a longitudinal design with three parallel arms: active control, perception training and memory training. To maximize power, developmental prosopagnosics (DPs) in the active control group will be subsequently be offered training. Pre-training/control assessments will be performed and within 2 weeks, DPs will be randomized to one of the three training conditions. Next, all DPs will complete 6-weeks of their assigned intervention. The research assistant will provide coaching at least once per week. DPs will be assessed within two weeks of training completion and after a 12-week no-contact period. For those in the active control group, the no-contact period will serve to wash out any placebo effect and Assessment 3 will be used as their new baseline. These DPs will then be randomized to perception or memory training. Assessments will then be given to these DPs within a week after intervention completion and after a 12 weeks no-contact period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
72
Computer-based training using faces targeting face memory
Computer-based training using faces targeting improving face perception
Computer-based training using faces not targeting improving face perception or memory
VA Boston Healthcare System
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGChange in Cambridge Face Memory Test from baseline to post-training
unfamiliar face learning/memory test, Cambridge Face Memory Test, minimum=0/maximum=72, higher is better performance
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in Face Perception from baseline to post-training
computerized Benton Face Recognition Test, minimum=0/maximum=54, higher is better performance
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in Face Recollection from baseline to post-training
face recollection measure derived from old/new unfamiliar face recognition test
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in Self-reported face recognition ability from baseline to post-training
items assessing everyday face recognition, minimum=0/maximum=100, higher is better
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline),12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in Eye processing ability from baseline to post-training
average eye processing ability from Georges task
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in Holistic processing from baseline to post-training
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
measure of holistic processing of faces (holistic advantage) from part-whole task
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)
Change in NIH PROMIS Social functioning self-report from baseline to post-training
bank of NIH PROMIS items asking about social functioning related to prosopagnosia, minimum=0/maximum=100, higher is better
Time frame: baseline, within 2 weeks post-training (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), 12 weeks after training ends (approximately 22 weeks after baseline)