Cognitive Training for Alzheimer's Disease
(PACT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Dementia is the most expensive medical condition in the US and increases in prevalence with age. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, and is indicative of higher risk for dementia. In addition to the obvious health and quality-of-life ramifications of dementia, there are high direct (e.g., subsidizing residential care needs) and indirect (e.g., lost productivity of family caregivers) economic costs. Implementing interventions to prevent MCI and dementia among older adults is of critical importance to health and maintained quality-of-life for millions of Americans. Recent data analyses from the Advanced Cognitive Training in Vital Elderly study (ACTIVE) indicate that a specific cognitive intervention, speed of processing training (SPT), significantly delays the incidence of cognitive impairment across 10 years. The primary contribution of the proposed research will be the determination of whether this cognitive training technique successfully delays the onset of clinically defined MCI or dementia across three years.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes participants who are using medications typically prescribed for dementia, such as Namenda, Memantine, and Donepezil. If you are taking these medications, you would not be eligible to participate.
Is cognitive training safe for humans?
How does the Cognitive Training treatment for Alzheimer's differ from other treatments?
Cognitive Training for Alzheimer's is unique because it uses computer-based exercises to target specific brain functions and improve cognitive abilities through neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize itself). Unlike traditional drug treatments, this approach leverages technology to create engaging and adaptive exercises that can be tailored to individual needs, potentially enhancing motivation and treatment engagement.26789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cognitive Training for Alzheimer's Disease?
Research shows that computer-based cognitive training can help improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and may delay the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Studies have also found that such training is beneficial in neurological rehabilitation, particularly for attention deficits.29101112
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 65 or older with no signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia, as indicated by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score >=26. Participants must be able to perform computer exercises and have good mental health without severe depression. They should not be on dementia medications nor have completed similar cognitive training recently.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete computerized cognitive training with 25 initial sessions over 3 to 5 months, followed by booster sessions at 1 and 2 years
Booster Sessions
Participants complete 10 additional sessions of training at 1-year and 2-years
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for incidence of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive Training
- Computerized Cognitive Stimulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of South Florida
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator