Brain Health Training for Healthy Lifestyle

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Tracie Lowe, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas at Dallas

Disqualifiers: Neurodegenerative disease, Stroke, Brain injury, Autism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

1000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how brain health strategies and education can improve overall well-being for college students and staff. The focus is on using online tools and in-person workshops to enhance cognitive, social, emotional, and lifestyle health. Participants should be students or staff at UTD or Dallas College with internet access and the ability to hear and read English. Those who have participated in The BrainHealth Project or have certain neurological conditions may not be eligible. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental well-being for participants and others.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this brain health training and education is safe?

Research has shown that brain health training and education programs are generally safe. These programs often use online platforms to provide personalized training and virtual coaching, focusing on enhancing brain health through everyday habits.

Studies have found that participants tolerate these brain health programs well, with no major side effects reported. They teach self-care skills and coping strategies to improve cognitive, social, emotional, and lifestyle functions without causing harm.

Overall, these programs aim to be safe and helpful for participants, supporting them in maintaining and improving their brain health in a gentle and non-invasive manner. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Brain Health Training and Education program because it offers a holistic approach to maintaining cognitive well-being through lifestyle changes, unlike traditional treatments that often focus on medication or therapy alone. This program combines online and in-person training to equip individuals with strategies that promote brain health, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental exercises. By empowering participants with knowledge and practical tools, this approach aims to enhance long-term cognitive resilience and overall health in a sustainable way.

What evidence suggests that this brain health training and education is effective for promoting brain-healthier campuses?

Studies have shown that brain health training can improve thinking skills, social interactions, and overall well-being. In this trial, participants will receive Brain Health Training and Education, which includes using the BrainHealth Platform. Research indicates that this platform, which combines brain exercises with lifestyle check-ups, enhances brain health by monitoring changes in thinking and daily habits. The Brain Health Project also suggests that these methods improve resilience and performance, providing a complete picture of brain health. Early findings indicate that this training can lead to better academic performance and emotional well-being. While researchers continue to collect data, these initial results are promising for boosting brain health in college settings. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lori Cook, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas at Dallas

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for college students and faculty/staff interested in improving brain health through online tools and in-person workshops. Participants should be affiliated with the local colleges involved in the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Either enrolled as a student and/or employed as staff/faculty at UTD or Dallas College

Internet and device access

Must be able to hear and read over the computer

Exclusion Criteria

I have autism and need help with daily activities.

Currently or previously enrolled in The BrainHealth Project (NCT04869111)

I have been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training and Assessment

Participants engage in online and in-person training and education around brain-health strategies and lifestyle practices, with assessments conducted three times over 9 months.

9 months

Periodic virtual and in-person sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive, social, well-being, and daily life health on the BrainHealth Index, as well as academic performance and program retention.

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Brain Health Strategy Training and Education

Trial Overview The study tests a program combining online brain health assessment and training with educational workshops, aiming to enhance cognitive, social, emotional well-being on campuses.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Brain Health Training and Education Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Online and in-person training and education around brain-health strategies and lifestyle practices.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas at Dallas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

71

Recruited

108,000+

Meadows Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Hoglund Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Internet brain training programs engage consumers directly in neuroscience research, but this dual role as subjects and funders raises concerns about privacy and data security.

There is a need for safeguards to protect participants' privacy and ensure ethical practices in the growing field of big data related to neuroscience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-based brain training games, citizen scientists, and big data: ethical issues in unprecedented virtual territories. Purcell, RH., Rommelfanger, KS.[2019]

An interactive iBook-based educational intervention was successfully implemented in a neurotrauma clinic, involving 202 participants (93 patients and 109 family members) over one year, which significantly improved self-reported knowledge about concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Participants expressed a strong preference for the interactive iBook format, highlighting its efficacy as an educational tool for enhancing understanding among patients and their families in the context of neurotrauma care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of an Interactive Tablet-based Educational Intervention in the Neurotrauma Clinic: A 1-year Retrospective Analysis. Huang, M., Sahyouni, R., Mahmoodi, A., et al.[2022]

The Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI) is studying over 4500 healthy participants aged 40-65 to identify lifestyle and biological factors that influence brain health, using online questionnaires and in-depth evaluations.

A controlled multi-dimensional lifestyle intervention will be tested on a subgroup of 500 participants to assess its impact on cognitive function and brain structure, with results expected to enhance our understanding of how to maintain brain health throughout life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Barcelona Brain Health Initiative: A Cohort Study to Define and Promote Determinants of Brain Health. Cattaneo, G., Bartrés-Faz, D., Morris, TP., et al.[2023]

A nonrandomized controlled trial involving 241 post-stroke patients showed that providing additional information and training for patients and their carers significantly improved their satisfaction with rehabilitation support after hospital discharge.

Over 80% of patients reported satisfaction with care during hospitalization, but the intervention group experienced a notable increase in satisfaction regarding information and support accessibility post-discharge, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and community support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of information and training provision in satisfaction of patients and carers in stroke rehabilitation. Aguirrezabal, A., Duarte, E., Rueda, N., et al.[2019]

The rise of 'brain fitness' technology products, including games and apps, has emerged in response to the lack of effective Alzheimer's treatments, but these products may not realistically improve cognitive health as claimed.

A broader approach to brain health is suggested, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships in supporting cognitive and psychosocial well-being, as demonstrated by innovative practices at The Intergenerational School in Cleveland, OH.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Marketplace of memory: what the brain fitness technology industry says about us and how we can do better. George, DR., Whitehouse, PJ.[2016]

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has launched the Brain Health Initiative to promote brain health as a vital aspect of public engagement, aiming to prevent neurological disorders through early identification and intervention strategies.

The initiative includes a new definition of brain health, strategic objectives, and a comprehensive action plan that emphasizes the importance of research, education, and public policy to improve brain health across all stages of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Brain Health Imperative in the 21st Century-A Call to Action: The AAN Brain Health Platform and Position Statement. Rost, NS., Salinas, J., Jordan, JT., et al.[2023]

Therapeutic patient education is a health improvement initiative that offers personalized support to children at risk of stroke and their families.

This approach relies on specially trained health professionals to share knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for effective care and support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Therapeutic education of children who are victims or at risk of a stroke]. Micaëlli, D.[2017]

In a 12-week pilot study involving 180 participants aged 18-87, 75% showed significant improvements in their BrainHealth Index™, indicating the effectiveness of an online platform for enhancing brain health through training and coaching.

The improvements in brain health were linked to various factors, including reduced anxiety and increased resilience, demonstrating that a comprehensive approach addressing multiple aspects of well-being can lead to positive outcomes regardless of age or background.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Novel BrainHealth Index Prototype Improved by Telehealth-Delivered Training During COVID-19. Chapman, SB., Fratantoni, JM., Robertson, IH., et al.[2021]

Improving patient education is crucial for healthcare providers, especially for managing the health of chronically ill patients, as it is a cost-effective strategy.

Successful healthcare organizations should adopt best practices from leading providers to enhance their patient education systems, which can lead to better patient outcomes and organizational success in a competitive environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How to improve patient education. Washburn, PV.[2007]

A quality improvement program aimed at enhancing medication education for post-acute neurosurgical patients led to increased patient satisfaction scores, highlighting the importance of effective communication about medications and their side effects.

The program utilized strategies like patient handouts, nurse education, and the 'teach back' method, which proved successful in reinforcing understanding and improving patient experiences related to medication management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using evidence to improve satisfaction with medication side-effects education on a neuro-medical surgical unit. Ahrens, SL., Wirges, AM.[2022]

Citations

1. centerforbrainhealth.org centerforbrainhealth.org/science/participate-in-a-study/brainhealth-project

The BrainHealth Project The BrainHealth Project is a landmark study that aims to uncover the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/brain-health-training-for-healthy-lifestyle-f0b7f

Brain Health Training for Healthy Lifestyle Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive, social, well-being, and daily life health on the BrainHealth Index, as well as academic performance and ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10515193/

The Brain Health Platform: Combining Resilience ... The Brain Health Platform combines measures of resilience, vulnerability, and performance to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of overall brain health.

4. neurology.org neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207739

The Brain Health Imperative in the 21st Century—A Call to ... Brain health is crucial to optimizing both the function and well-being of every person at each stage of life and is key to both individual and social progress.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2274580725000780

Brain health PRO/Santé cerveau PRO: The development of ... The Brain Health PRO/Santé Cerveau PRO is a web-based 45-week program available in French and English. It provides general information and guidance on seven ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10558159/

The Brain Health Imperative in the 21st Century—A Call to ... Brain health is crucial to optimizing both the function and well-being of every person at each stage of life and is key to both individual ...

7. braincouncil.eu braincouncil.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Annex-Full-Norwegian-Brain-Health-Strategy.pdf

National Brain Health Strategy (2018-2024) Patients and relatives want a more central role in the monitoring of their disease, and self-care training and coping skills will be a vital element of all ...