Compensatory Cognitive Rehabilitation for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of disability in older adults. Because pharmacological approaches do not seem to prevent or slow the disease, clinicians need non-pharmacological interventions that might help people with AD remain independent for as long as possible. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a new behavioral treatment, the Structured External Memory Aid Treatment (SEMAT), for adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) designed to promote independent living skills by explicitly teaching the use of strategies and tools to compensate for cognitive weaknesses. Aim 1: Evaluate the efficacy of the SEMAT for improving functional performance in a pilot randomized trial. Aim 2: Evaluate demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological predictors of treatment adherence. Aim 3: Develop and refine the SEMAT manual and other materials for training future interventionists.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants are either not taking nootropic medications or have been stable on them for more than 2 months. If you are currently taking nootropic meds, you must have been on a stable dose for at least 2 months to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Structured External Memory Aid Treatment (SEMAT) for Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Is Compensatory Cognitive Rehabilitation safe for humans?
How is the SEMAT treatment different from other treatments for mild cognitive impairment?
SEMAT is unique because it focuses on using structured external memory aids, like calendars and notes, to help individuals with mild cognitive impairment manage their memory challenges in everyday life. This approach is different from other treatments that may focus on retraining memory skills or using electronic devices.1591011
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 60-90 with mild cognitive impairment from probable Alzheimer's, who have functional vision and hearing. They must be stable on or not taking memory medications. Excluded are those with other diseases causing cognitive issues, major sensory or motor impairments, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, untreated depression, substance use disorder in the past 5 years, or involvement in another memory-related trial.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Testing
Participants complete baseline testing before starting treatment
Immediate Treatment
Participants in the immediate treatment group complete 7 weeks of SEMAT sessions
Delayed Treatment
Participants in the delayed treatment group complete 7 weeks of SEMAT sessions after an 8-week delay
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for maintained changes in memory-based compensation and everyday function
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Structured External Memory Aid Treatment (SEMAT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Delaware
Lead Sponsor