Cognitive Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Disqualifiers: Dementia, Neurological conditions, Alcohol abuse, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to assist individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), characterized by more memory and thinking problems than usual for their age, but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. The study tests cognitive training, a therapy focusing on everyday memory challenges and problem-solving skills. Participants will join one of two groups: one receiving cognitive training and one not. This trial may suit individuals diagnosed with MCI who do not have dementia or a history of severe mental health issues. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that could enhance the understanding and treatment of MCI.

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 cognitive training is safe for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Research has shown that cognitive training is generally safe for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). One review of 22 studies found that engaging in mental activities can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 46% over several years. This suggests that cognitive training is not only safe but may also be beneficial in the long term.

Another study found that people with MCI who participated in cognitive training improved their thinking skills and felt more confident about their cognitive abilities. No major negative side effects were reported, making it a well-tolerated option for most individuals.

Overall, evidence supports the safety of cognitive training for MCI. It appears to be a promising approach with potential benefits for thinking skills and no major negative effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about cognitive training for mild cognitive impairment because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to enhance brain function. Unlike current treatments that often rely on medications like cholinesterase inhibitors, cognitive training focuses on improving mental processes through structured exercises and activities. This method aims to strengthen neural connections and boost cognitive skills such as memory and attention, potentially delaying the progression of cognitive decline. By engaging patients in targeted cognitive tasks, this approach not only seeks to improve day-to-day functioning but also offers a personalized and interactive treatment experience.

What evidence suggests that cognitive training is effective for mild cognitive impairment?

Research shows that brain exercises can help people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). In this trial, participants will either receive cognitive training or not. Studies have found that these exercises can greatly improve memory and thinking skills. One study discovered that brain exercises slowed memory loss over five years in people with MCI. Another study showed improvements in both short-term and long-term memory. These findings suggest that brain exercises can help maintain sharp mental abilities in people with MCI. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Karen A Chipman, PhD

Principal Investigator

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for seniors with a clinical diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. It's designed to help those who struggle with everyday memory problems and may also have mild mood-related symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Exclusion Criteria

History of alcohol or drug abuse

History of chronic psychiatric illness

I have a neurological condition that affects my thinking.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Cognitive Training

Participants undergo cognitive training focusing on everyday memory problems and problem-solving approaches

8 months

Regular group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mood, caregiver burden, memory testing, and quality of life

3 months

Assessments at months 3, 5, and 8

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive training

Trial Overview The study tests a cognitive training program focused on improving daily memory issues in seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The program includes traditional memory exercises and problem-solving techniques.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cognitive training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: No cognitive training Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Lead Sponsor

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+

Karen Chipman

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

40+

Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

15

Recruited

34,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Cognitive training significantly improves memory in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with benefits lasting for at least 6 months after the training.

Participants who underwent cognitive training not only showed improved memory scores but also effectively applied learned strategies in their daily lives, unlike those in psychosocial or control groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

MEMO+: Efficacy, Durability and Effect of Cognitive Training and Psychosocial Intervention in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Belleville, S., Hudon, C., Bier, N., et al.[2022]

The MEMO+ study is a randomized controlled trial involving 162 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive training and psychosocial interventions over an eight-week period.

The study aims to measure both immediate and long-term effects on cognitive function and daily living skills, potentially leading to improved well-being for individuals with MCI.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Measuring the impact of cognitive and psychosocial interventions in persons with mild cognitive impairment with a randomized single-blind controlled trial: rationale and design of the MEMO+ study. Bier, N., Grenier, S., Brodeur, C., et al.[2022]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) in improving cognitive abilities in 100 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over 12 weeks, with follow-up booster sessions for up to 78 weeks.

The trial aims to assess not only cognitive improvements but also changes in brain structure and function, specifically looking at hippocampal volume and the default mode network, using MRI scans, making it a comprehensive approach to understanding the impact of CCT on MCI.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive training and neuroplasticity in mild cognitive impairment (COG-IT): protocol for a two-site, blinded, randomised, controlled treatment trial. D'Antonio, J., Simon-Pearson, L., Goldberg, T., et al.[2020]

A study involving 71 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) found that all three formats of language training (computer, paper/pencil, and oral) significantly improved cognitive abilities compared to control groups over 48 sessions across 6 months.

Participants in the experimental groups showed enhancements in cognitive abilities and daily functioning, while control groups did not show any improvement, indicating the effectiveness of structured cognitive training for MCI.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Comparative Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial With Language Training in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Poptsi, E., Lazarou, I., Markou, N., et al.[2020]

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) shows moderate efficacy in improving overall cognition and specific cognitive domains in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, based on a review of 17 trials.

In individuals with dementia, CCT has limited evidence of efficacy, primarily influenced by a few trials using immersive technologies like virtual reality, indicating a need for further research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized Cognitive Training in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hill, NT., Mowszowski, L., Naismith, SL., et al.[2022]

Cognitive Training (CT) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's Disease (AD) showed variable effects on brain structure and function, with some studies indicating increased cortical thickness and grey matter volumes, but no changes in hippocampal volumes.

The review included 19 studies, highlighting significant heterogeneity and variable quality, suggesting that while CT may lead to changes in brain activation and connectivity, more robust research is needed to clearly link these changes to clinical improvements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neuroimaging Outcomes in Studies of Cognitive Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Beishon, L., Intharakham, K., Swienton, D., et al.[2021]

Cognitive training (CT) was found to be feasible and acceptable for both healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, with 37 participants providing positive feedback after 12 weeks of training.

Participants reported several benefits from CT, including enjoyment and improved cognitive awareness, but also faced barriers such as technology issues and emotional challenges, particularly those with dementia, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in future implementations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qualitative Analysis of the Cognition and Flow (CoGFlowS) Study: An Individualized Approach to Cognitive Training for Dementia Is Needed. Beishon, L., Haunton, V., Subramaniam, H., et al.[2021]

Home-based Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) tailored to individual needs significantly improved cognitive functions such as memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mood-related neuropsychiatric symptoms (MrNPS) over an 8-12 week period.

Participants in the CCT group not only showed enhanced cognitive performance but also reported improved mood and reduced caregiver burden compared to those in the active control group, indicating broader benefits beyond just cognitive outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tailored and Adaptive Computerized Cognitive Training in Older Adults at Risk for Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Bahar-Fuchs, A., Webb, S., Bartsch, L., et al.[2022]

Cognitive training, particularly through cognitive exercises, shows moderate to large beneficial effects on memory outcomes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on a systematic review of 10 studies involving 305 subjects.

The review highlights that previous studies may have underestimated the efficacy of cognitive training due to unclear definitions of interventions, emphasizing the need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive and memory training in adults at risk of dementia: a systematic review. Gates, NJ., Sachdev, PS., Fiatarone Singh, MA., et al.[2023]

Cognitive training has been shown to significantly improve subjective cognitive function and certain objective cognitive skills, such as working memory and episodic memory, in breast cancer patients experiencing cognitive changes, based on a systematic review of 9 randomized controlled trials involving 666 patients.

Despite these improvements, cognitive training did not lead to significant changes in attention, short-term memory, executive function, or psychological outcomes like anxiety and depression, indicating that while cognitive training can be beneficial, it may not address all cognitive and emotional challenges faced by these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of cognitive training on patients with breast cancer reporting cognitive changes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Yan, X., Wei, S., Liu, Q.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669748/

The Efficacy of Cognitive Training on Neuropsychological ... Results showed that CT significantly improved global cognitive functioning, short-term and long-term verbal memory, generativity, working memory ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163710001121

Review Cognitive intervention for persons with mild ... The results show that persons with MCI get improvements both in overall cognition and self-ratings, and also exhibit positive training effects in follow-up ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2733423

Comparative Effectiveness of Behavioral Interventions on ... This study offers a starting point for understanding which behavioral interventions are most effective for patient- and partner-desired outcomes in mild ...

4. alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dad2.12626

Five‐year effects of cognitive training in individuals with mild ... Cognitive training reduced the 5-year memory decline of persons with MCI. Cognitive training also reduced decline on the Montreal Cognitive ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41746-023-00987-5

Computerized cognitive training for memory functions in ... Among 1489 participants with MCI, CCT showed improvements in verbal memory (SMD (95%CI) = 0.55 (0.35–0.74)), visual memory (0.36 (0.12–0.60)), ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6720324/

Cognitive training and neuroplasticity in mild cognitive ... A systematic review of 22 population-based studies found that mental activities may reduce overall incident dementia risk by 46% over a median 7 ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9130435/

Behavioral Interventions in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Abstract. Comparative effectiveness of behavioral interventions to mitigate the impacts of degeneration-based cognitive decline is not well understood.

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06601933

Study Details | NCT06601933 | Cognitive Training and ... This study will evaluate and compare the impact of high dose crosswords (4 puzzles per week) to low dose crosswords (1 puzzle per week) and a health education ...