Cognitive Training and Practice Effects in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The current study will test the effectiveness of a computerized cognitive training program on auditory memory and attention in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Practice effects will also be examined as a moderator of treatment response.

Detailed Description
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The current study will test the effectiveness of a computerized cognitive (thinking) training program on improving thinking and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The investigators will also examine how short term changes in thinking abilities (i.e., practice effects) can be related to improvement in thinking abilities after the cognitive training program.

Official Title
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Cognitive Training and Practice Effects in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Conditions
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Mild Cognitive Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: computerized cognitive exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Mild Cognitive Impairment, amnestic subtype 65 years of age or older Availability of a knowledgeable informant Access to internet 3 hours per week Adequate vision, hearing, and motor responding to participate in training Exclusion Criteria: History of major stroke, head injury with loss of consciousness of >30 minutes, or other neurological disorder or systemic illness that are thought to be affecting cognition (e.g., seizure disorder, demyelinating disorder, etc.) Current or past major psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder) History of substance abuse Current use of antipsychotics or anticonvulsant medications Currently residing in a nursing home or other skilled nursing facility

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: experimental cognitive training<br>Participants will use experimental computerized cognitive training exercises, 1 hour per day, 3 - 5 days per week, for 13 weeks. | Behavioral: computerized cognitive exercises<br>* Each group will perform computerized cognitive exercises, 1 hour per day, 3 - 5 days per week, for 13 weeks. The experimental group will use exercises shown to improve cognition, whereas the comparator group will use exercises without clear beneficial findings.<br>|
| Active Comparator: control cognitive exercises<br>Participants will use control computerized cognitive activities, 1 hour per day, 3 - 5 days per week, for 13 weeks. | Behavioral: computerized cognitive exercises<br>* Each group will perform computerized cognitive exercises, 1 hour per day, 3 - 5 days per week, for 13 weeks. The experimental group will use exercises shown to improve cognition, whereas the comparator group will use exercises without clear beneficial findings.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auditory Memory Attention Index | This is a composite of six subtests of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. It is a standard score (mean=100, standard deviation=15), with a range of approximately 45 - 145, with higher scores indicating better outcome. | 13 weeks |