Training Cognitive Control Processes in Older Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Control processes are classes of brain activity that initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Detailed Description
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The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three experimental groups: 1) Video game play with training strategy; 2) Video game play without training strategy (Active Control); 3) Minimal contact (Passive Control). Subjects in Groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand video game, Space Fortress, for 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Subjects in Group 3 will receive all assessments but will not play the computer game.

Official Title
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Pilot Study Using a Video Game to Train Cognitive Control Processes in Healthy Older Adults

Conditions
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Neurologic Manifestations, Neurobehavioral Manifestations

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Video game based training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 60-75 Willingness to adhere to training protocol Adequate English proficiency Exclusion Criteria: Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation. Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Video Game play with training strategy | Behavioral: Video game based training<br>* 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks<br>|
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Video game play without training strategy | Behavioral: Video game based training<br>* 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks<br>|
| No Intervention: 3<br>Minimal contact control | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neuropsychological testing |  | Week 1, 12, 24 | 
| Cognitive-experimental tasks |  | Week 1, 6, 12, 24 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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cognition, cognition disorders, executive function, cognitive control, attentional control, biomedical enhancement, cognitive enhancement, computerized, computer-based, video game