Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Geetika Chahal, MBBS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix

Disqualifiers: Moderate dementia, Severe dementia, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 10 weeks

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a memory training program called CogMed can help people with mild memory issues improve their memory and reduce stress. Researchers are also examining whether this program affects a blood marker linked to Alzheimer's disease. Participants will either continue their regular treatment or use CogMed for 25 minutes a day, five days a week, for ten weeks. This trial suits those with mild cognitive impairment who have internet access and can see and hear well enough to follow study procedures. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance memory care strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What prior data suggests that this memory training program is safe?

Previous studies have not shown any safety concerns with CogMed Working Memory Training. Research indicates that participants find this memory training program easy to handle. Users perform memory exercises on a computer, with sessions typically lasting 20 to 25 minutes and occurring several times a week. To date, no harmful effects have been reported from this type of training, suggesting it is a safe option for those seeking to improve their memory. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the CogMed intervention for mild cognitive impairment because it focuses on enhancing working memory through a computerized training program. Unlike traditional treatments that might rely on medication, CogMed offers a non-pharmacological approach by engaging participants in regular, structured cognitive exercises. This method empowers individuals to take an active role in their cognitive health, potentially leading to improvements in memory function without the side effects associated with drugs. Plus, the accessibility of a digital platform allows for consistent training in the comfort of one’s home, making it a convenient option for many.

What evidence suggests that CogMed is effective for improving memory in people with mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that CogMed, a computer-based memory training program, can improve short-term memory skills, such as remembering words and visual information. Some studies have found these improvements in adults with early memory issues. In this trial, participants in the Intervention Group will receive the CogMed intervention. While the benefits may last for a while, they tend to diminish over time. CogMed aims not only to enhance memory but also to reduce stress. Early findings suggest it might influence levels of p-Tau 217, a marker linked to Alzheimer's disease. Although more research is needed, these initial results are encouraging for people with mild memory problems. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Yonas E Geda, M.D, MSc

Principal Investigator

Barrow Neurological Institute, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Disorders Division

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people over 50 with mild memory problems who can use the internet and understand English (or have a translator). They should be able to see and hear well enough for study tasks. Those with moderate or severe dementia, or an MMSE score below 19, cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to the internet through computer

Proficiency in speaking and reading English or having a family member who is proficient in reading and speaking English and is willing to serve as a translator

Meet Mayo Clinic Criteria for MCI (Patients with mild cognitive impairment)

Exclusion Criteria

Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score less than 19 or patients diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia by a clinician

In the opinion of the investigator, participation would not be in the best interest of the subject.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the intervention group undergo CogMed intervention for 25 minutes daily, 5 days a week for 10 weeks, while the control group follows Treatment As Usual (TAU).

10 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in working memory, stress, and other cognitive measures at a 3-month follow-up after the intervention period.

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• CogMed

Trial Overview The study tests if CogMed, a special memory training program, improves memory in those with early signs of cognitive decline. It also examines whether CogMed affects stress levels and alters blood markers related to Alzheimer's disease.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Intervention Group (N = 5) Participants will be instructed to do CogMed intervention (computerized working memory activity carried out for 25 minutes daily for 5 days per week for a total of 10 weeks).

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

The Control group(N = 5) follow there Treatment as usual(TAU). For ethical reasons, at the end of trial, the control group will also be offered the CogMed intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix

Lead Sponsor

Trials

69

Recruited

17,400+

Barrow Neurological Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

9

Recruited

21,600+

Barrow Neurological Institute

Collaborator

Trials

27

Recruited

7,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 12-week cognitive stimulation intervention at the Memory Centre Erlangen showed positive effects on cognitive performance in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), with significant improvements in attention, general cognitive speed, and short-term memory.

Even patients diagnosed with dementia did not experience a decline in cognitive abilities during the intervention, and some showed improvements in the same cognitive areas, suggesting the potential benefits of cognitive training for various levels of memory impairment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Erlangen Memory Center--a partial inpatient gerontopsychiatric facility]. Engel, S., Mück, A., Steinwachs, KC., et al.[2015]

The study involved 66 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who participated in a virtual interactive working memory training (VIMT) program, showing a significant improvement in working memory compared to an active control group after 36 training sessions.

The VIMT program not only helped maintain working memory but also potentially reduced cognitive decline in older adults with MCI, indicating its efficacy as an intervention for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and effectiveness of virtual interactive working memory training for older people with mild cognitive impairment: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Yang, HL., Chu, H., Kao, CC., et al.[2020]

A novel cognitive training program called multi-strategic metamemory training significantly improved long-term delayed free recall and fluency in 66 older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared to a control group of 47 participants.

Participants in the training group also reported a significant decrease in subjective memory complaints, indicating that the program not only enhanced cognitive performance but also improved their perception of everyday memory function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from a Multi-Strategic Metamemory Training. Youn, JH., Park, S., Lee, JY., et al.[2020]

Working memory training programs can lead to significant improvements in cognitive functions for older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, suggesting that these programs can enhance daily life activities and autonomy.

The training not only improves working memory but also induces neuronal changes that enhance the efficiency of related cognitive processes, indicating a potential for broader cognitive benefits beyond just memory tasks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Working memory training in normal and pathological aging: neurocognitive gains and generalization]. Saba, M., Blanchet, S.[2021]

A 5-week computerized adaptive working memory training program (Cogmed®) did not lead to significant improvements in working memory capacity compared to a non-adaptive training program in 68 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The study, which included participants aged 43 to 88 years, found no differences in cognitive function outcomes between the two training methods at both 1 and 4 months post-training, indicating that the adaptive training did not provide additional benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptive Computerized Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. A Randomized Double-Blind Active Controlled Trial. Flak, MM., Hol, HR., Hernes, SS., et al.[2022]

Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) has shown statistically significant improvements in working memory and executive functions among over 280 child and adolescent trainees based on pre- and post-training assessments.

Feedback from families indicates positive changes experienced by trainees, although the study's one-group pre-test post-test design has limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parental Perceptions of the Efficacy of Cogmed Working Memory Training. Graham, AR., Benninger, WB.[2018]

In a clinical trial involving 68 older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the Cogmed program significantly improved working memory performance compared to a Sham program, particularly on the Span Board test and subjective memory reports.

Participants using Cogmed also showed better functional adjustment over time, indicating that the program not only enhanced working memory but also positively impacted daily functioning and satisfaction with the intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Training Program to Improve Working Memory in Older Adults with MCI. Hyer, L., Scott, C., Atkinson, MM., et al.[2022]

An 8-session structured group memory rehabilitation program significantly improved memory functioning in adults with traumatic brain injury and cerebral vascular accidents, as evidenced by neuropsychological assessments and self-reports.

Participants not only learned effective memory strategies and aids but also showed reduced memory impairment behaviors, with these improvements lasting for at least one month after the program ended.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of a structured group format memory rehabilitation program for adults following brain injury. Thickpenny-Davis, KL., Barker-Collo, SL.[2007]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452225007158

Cogmed cognitive training for working memory Cogmed training showed to short-term improvements in verbal and visuospatial working memory in adults. •. A small sustained benefit was observed ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06734286

Working Memory Training in Patients with Mild Cognitive ... The purpose of this study is to test whether a special memory training program, called CogMed, can help people with early memory problems.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6473070/

Adaptive Computerized Working Memory Training in ... We investigated if a 5-week computerized adaptive working memory training program (Cogmed ® ) of 20 to 25 sessions would be effective in improving the working ...

4. ibroneuroscience.org ibroneuroscience.org/article/S0306-4522(25)00715-8/abstract

Cogmed cognitive training for working memory - Neuroscience Cogmed training showed to short-term improvements in verbal and visuospatial working memory in adults. · A small sustained benefit was observed ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/memory-training-for-mild-cognitive-impairment-ff3fd

Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment The purpose of this study is to test whether a special memory training program, called CogMed, can help people with early memory problems.

6. trialfinder.panfoundation.org trialfinder.panfoundation.org/en-US/trial/listing/586827

Working Memory Training in Patients with Mild Cognitive ... The purpose of this study is to test whether a special memory training program, called CogMed, can help people with early memory problems.

7. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00262/full

Computer-Based Training Programs for Older People with ... An overview of the selected studies on computer-based intervention programs for cognitively impaired people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia ...