Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Memory Aid - Computer Based Working Memory Training in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
Brief Summary: Background:

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by memory problems more severe than normal cognitive changes due to old age, and less severe than dementia. Reduced working memory (WM) is regarded as one of the core symptoms of an MCI-condition. Recent studies have indicated that WM can be improved trough computer based training.

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to evaluate if working memory training is effective in improving working memory in elderly MCI-patients. Further, to evaluate if cognitive training relates to structural changes in the white and gray matter of the brain, assessed by structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Cognitive phenotypes related to memory impairment and progression to dementia will also be investigated.

Patients and Methods:

The proposed study is a blinded, randomized and controlled trail that will include 90 elderly patients from a Memory Clinic diagnosed with MCI. The groups will be randomized to either training or a placebo version. The intervention is computerized working memory training performed for 45 minutes over 25 sessions. Neuropsychological assessment and structural MRI will be performed before, 6 and 12 months after training.

Relevance:

Currently there is no known treatment available for mild memory impairment/MCI, and few studies on specific cognitive training in MCI-patients have been performed. The proposed study has received funding from a Norwegian Health Region. If computer based training results in positive changes to memory functions in MCI patients this may represent a new, cost-effective treatment. Secondly, evaluation of training induced structural changes to grey or white matter may improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind effective cognitive interventions in MCI patients.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who meet the Peterson diagnostic criteria of MCI:

  1. memory complaints (preferably confirmed by an informant).
  2. memory impairment according to age and education.
  3. preserved general cognitive function.
  4. intact activities of daily living, absence of dementia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* head trauma with post-traumatic loss of conscience for 30 minutes during lifespan.
* loss of senses (blindness, deafness).
* photo-sensitive epilepsy.
* unsuitability for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-examination due to metal foreign bodies or severe claustrophobia.
* drug and/or alcohol abuse.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 65 or older
* Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 23 or greater
* Vision scored greater than 20/50
* Minimal dependence in hygiene, bathing, and dressing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant decline in cognitive skills, physical abilities, or functional independence
* Inability to complete study activities as evidenced by MMSE and vision scores lower than Inclusion Criteria requirement
* Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
* Stroke in previous 12 months
* Cancer with limited life expectance
* Current chemotherapy or radiation treatment
* Communication problems
* Planned move from study area
* Scheduling conflicts that would preclude participation in study activities
* Prior involvement in similar cognitive training studies
C: Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range between 60-70 years old
2. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0.5\*
3. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) of 9 and below
4. Mini-Mental State Examination of 24 and above\*
5. Chinese ethnicity
6. Literate in English and/or Chinese
7. Able to travel to study site independently

   * In the case of conflicting CDR and MMSE scores, MMSE scores will supersede CDR scores.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any known neuropsychiatric disorders (such as epilepsy or mental retardation)
2. Involvement in another research study (aside from SLAS)
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of chronic insomnia
* able to use a home personal computer
* have healthy dominant hand functioning
* Hebrew speakers

Exclusion Criteria:

* have any significant visual or hearing impairment
* have any significant medical, neurological or psychiatric illness that might bring about cognitive change
* have sleep disorders other than insomnia
* have any significant medical disease (including cancer, diabetes, liver, kidney, heart or lung disease)
* alcoholism or other drug abuse
* taking any medication known to affect central nervous system functioning other than sleeping pills
* historical evidence suggesting significant psychiatric conditions such as depression, psychosis or neurologic disease

Answer: A