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:

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)
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* community-dwelling volunteers aged 60 years or older
* without dementia
* MMSE=26 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

* if they had known dementia or significant cognitive impairment accompanied by dysfunction of daily living activities;
* had 6 years of education or under;
* were illiterate
* were unavailable during the testing and intervention periods of the study;
* had severe losses in vision or hearing; had major neurological or psychiatric illness history including any history of stroke, transient ischemic attack or traumatic brain injury;
* had a medication history which might affect on cognitive function such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or memantine
* had medical problems such as thyroid, liver and renal disease;
* had a significan structural abnormalities on their baseline brain MRI.
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 64
* Self-report of recent decline in memory or thinking
* Low/no physical activity (\<2 days/week for \<30 minutes/session of moderate intensity activity over past 3 months)
* Low/no computer mental activity (\<2 days/week for \<30 minutes/session over past 3 months)
* Fluent in English
* Willingness to perform study activities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of dementia (based on self-report, physician diagnosis or score \< 19 on Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status)
* Significant central nervous system disorder (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS \[Lou Gerig's disease\])
* Major, current psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychiatric hospitalization in past 20 years)
* Major central nervous system event (stroke, transient ischemic attack/mini-stroke, seizure, or traumatic brain injury that has left a residual deficit)
* Significant heart disease (severe congestive heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, cardiac arrest, uncontrolled angina)
* Significant lung disease (requiring supplemental oxygen or oral or injected steroids)
* Other condition that would make participation potentially dangerous (cancer requiring treatment in past 3 years, severe arthritis, history of cardiac defibrillation, dialysis)
* Lack of physician approval
* Severe hearing or visual impairment
* History of learning disability
* Starting prescription medication to enhance cognitive function (e.g., memantine, aricept)
* Dependent in any basic activity of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, getting out of bed/chair)
* History of alcohol abuse/heavy alcohol use
* History of drug abuse/heavy drug use
* Currently enrolled in another research study
* Fibromyalgia or tremor severe enough to prevent use of a computer mouse
* Planning to travel \> 4 exercise class days during study period
* Behaviors during screening or baseline visit that, in the judgement of research staff, are likely to present significant problems (e.g., uncooperative, anger, inappropriate physical contact)
* Unable to perform neuropsychological evaluations
* Unable to complete consent process
D: 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.

Answer: D