Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate if systematic cognitive training can improve cognitive performance in participants (55 and older) with memory loss. This study will evaluate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for improvement in everyday cognitive and function status, in addition to long-term changes in brain networks over an 18-month period. Although there is no distribution of medication for this study, participants are required to have an at-home computer.

Detailed Description
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In this clinical trial, investigators will evaluate if systematic cognitive training can improve cognitive performance in participants with memory loss. This study is for those who have demonstrated difficulty with memory. It will evaluate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for improvement in everyday cognitive and function status, in addition to long-term changes in brain networks over an 18-month period. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to Training Group 1 or 2; therefore, one will have a 50% chance of being assigned to CCT, and a 50% chance of being assigned to Crossword Puzzle Training (CPT). During the 18- month period, participants will be asked to come to the Memory Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) for a screening evaluation, and if eligible, will return for five follow-up visits at Weeks 12, 32, 52, and 78.

Official Title
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Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Conditions
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Mild Cognitive Impairment, Memory Disorders, Memory Impairment, Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Disorder, Cognitive Decline

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Computerized Cognitive Training
* Other: Crossword Puzzles


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Males and females 55 to 95 years of age (inclusive) at the time of informed consent. Subjective cognitive complaints, i.e., memory or other cognitive complaints, e.g., naming/language. Meets criteria for cognitive impairment (CI) defined as scores > 1 below standardized norms on memory function as identified by the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) III Logical Memory immediate or delayed recall score. Folstein Mini Mental State (MMSE) score ≥ 23 out of 30. A family member or other individual who is in contact with the patient and consents to serve as informant during the study; this can be a telephone informant in the case of patients who do not have a live-in informant or close significant other. Access to a home desktop or laptop computer at acceptable internet speed for the study duration. Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of dementia of any type. Current clinical evidence of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, psychosis, or bipolar I disorder (DSM-IV criteria). Active suicidal ideation or plan. Current or recent (past 6 months) alcohol or substance use disorder (DSM-5 criteria). Clinical stroke with residual neurological deficits. While we will not exclude patients with cerebrovascular disease, we will not include patients who have had a stroke with residual clinical deficits because it is not clear that this type of patient is similar to the MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) patient generally, and clear-cut neurological impairment, e.g., hemiplegia/hemiparesis or speech impairment, may compromise the patient's ability to do the CCT or active control procedures and to complete the neuropsychological test battery. Use of medications known to have a negative impact on cognition: benzodiazepines in lorazepam equivalents greater than or equal to 1 mg daily, narcotics, anticholinergics. Other patients receive medications that may be associated with cognitive impairment but are rarely considered the likely etiology, e.g., theophylline, nifedipine, beta blockers; they will not be excluded. Patients receiving other psychotropic medications not expected to have a material impact on cognition, e.g., SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) will be eligible. Presence of any of the following disorders: a) Central Nervous System infection, with cerebrospinal fluid evidence of meningitis, encephalitis, or other infectious process; b) dementia of any type; c) Huntington's disease; d) Multiple sclerosis; e) Parkinson's disease; f) Other neurologic disorders with focal signs, e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; g) Mental retardation. Acute, severe unstable medical illness. For cancer, acutely ill patients (including those with metastases) will be excluded, but past history of successfully treated cancer will not result in exclusion. Contraindication to MRI scan: pacemaker, metal implants following surgery, any other contraindication to MRI. Eligibility for the MRI scan is a requirement for the study. UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) exclusions: current smoker > 1 pack daily, current upper respiratory infection (retested as soon as the infection clears). UPSIT scores are reduced in schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's related conditions; these disorders are exclusion criteria for this study. Patients with UPSIT exclusions, e.g., current heavy smoker (less than 3% of older adults in our experience), will not receive the UPSIT but will continue to participate in all other aspects of the study. Patients lacking English-speaking ability as determined by self-report and clinical evaluation. Regular online brain training or regular crossword puzzle user, defined as doing these procedures at a frequency of twice weekly or greater during the year prior to screening. Eligible participants who join the trial are instructed not to do these procedures on their own during the trial, i.e., independent of the study. Participation in another intervention trial for cognitive impairment.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 55 Years
Maximum Age: 95 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: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Training Group 1<br>Computerized Cognitive Training | Other: Computerized Cognitive Training<br>* Computerized online cognitive training will be used to target specific cognitive abilities and neural networks to potentially improve cognitive functioning through neuroplasticity.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Training Group 2<br>Crossword puzzles | Other: Crossword Puzzles<br>* These are intended to mimic crossword puzzles in newspapers.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change overtime in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) | The modified ADAS-Cog is a cognitive battery that assesses learning, memory, language production, language comprehension, constructional praxis, ideational praxis, and orientation. | [Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 12, 52, 78] | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neuropsychological Testing Composite Score | Neuropsychological Testing Composite Score is a compiled score of all neuropsychological tests administered in the protocol, i.e. Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Block Design, Verbal Fluency, Visual Reproduction, Boston Naming Task, Trails A and B | [Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 12, 52, 78] | 
| Change overtime in Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) | FAQ is a widely used 10-item instrument that takes 3 minutes to administer and focuses on instrumental, social and cognitive functioning. | [Time Frame: Screen, Weeks 12, 20, 32 52, 78] | 
| UPSA | It is a performance-based measure of functional abilities that includes measures of simulated real-world activities, for example, planning a trip to the beach, remembering documents to bring to a medical appointment, and dialing a phone number. | [Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 32, 78] | 
| Change overtime in the Neurocognitive Performance Test | NCPT is a set of assessments that test your skills using tasks independent of the Lumosity games. This test is completed online using your Lumosity login. | [Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 12, 78] | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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MRI, memory, computerized training, cognition, mci, memory problems, memory complaints