Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment

(WMTrain Trial)

Overseen By Nayiri Sagherian

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Mental illness, Sensory impairments, Alcohol or drug abuse, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if working memory training, a cognitive training program, can improve memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), where memory issues exceed normal age-related changes. Participants will attend 10 training sessions, either in person or online. Suitable candidates have been diagnosed with MCI and have no other conditions affecting their memory. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance memory training techniques for individuals with MCI.

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 working memory training is safe for older adults with mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that working memory training, such as the Cogmed program, is generally safe for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Studies have found that most participants tolerate this training well and do not report serious side effects.

Previous research has focused on computer-based training, which involves several sessions over a few weeks. Participants usually find these sessions manageable and do not experience significant negative effects. This study is labeled as "Not Applicable" for the trial phase, indicating that the training is non-invasive and low-risk, similar to doing brain exercises or puzzles.

Overall, evidence from earlier studies supports the safety of working memory training for people with MCI. Participants generally handle the training well, making it a safe option to consider. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment because it explores a non-drug approach to enhancing cognitive function. Unlike standard treatments for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that often rely on medications like cholinesterase inhibitors, this trial focuses on working memory training through both in-person and online sessions. This method is distinctive because it leverages cognitive exercises to potentially improve memory performance directly, offering a novel and accessible way to support brain health without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals. The trial also examines the effectiveness of delivering this training online, which could provide a convenient and scalable option for more people.

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

Research has shown that training working memory can aid people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A review of 35 different programs found that older adults with MCI experienced improved memory and decision-making skills. Specifically, Cogmed training provided short-term improvements in both verbal and visual memory. In this trial, participants with MCI will undergo Working Memory Training either in person or online. Various studies have demonstrated these benefits, suggesting that this type of training could be useful for individuals with early memory issues. For healthy older adults participating in the online training arm, working memory training has also boosted memory capacity, helping to keep their minds sharp. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexandru Iordan, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults who have been diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants must be able to undergo MRI scans, be right-handed, and not have other neurological conditions, significant mental illnesses, sensory impairments that could affect participation, or a history of substance abuse.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.

MRI-eligibility for MRI participants

Right-handedness

Exclusion Criteria

Significant mental illness

History of alcohol or drug abuse/dependence

I have a medical condition that affects my thinking or memory.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 10 sessions of working memory training, either in-person or online, depending on their group assignment

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in brain activation and cognitive performance after training

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Working Memory Training

Trial Overview

The study is testing the effectiveness of working memory training on improving cognitive functions in individuals with MCI. It aims to see if this type of brain exercise can lead to changes in neural activity and enhance memory capabilities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: In-Person, MCI Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants diagnosed with MCI will undergo 10 sessions of WM training in person.

Group II: Online, Healthy Active Control 1 Intervention

Cognitively intact older adults will undergo 10 sessions of WM training online.

Group III: Online, MCI Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants diagnosed with MCI will undergo 10 sessions of WM training online.

Working Memory Training is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Cogmed Working Memory Training for:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Learning Disabilities
• Cognitive Impairment

Approved in United States as Cogmed Working Memory Training for:

• ADHD
• Learning Disabilities
• Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Approved in Canada as Cogmed Working Memory Training for:

• ADHD
• Learning Disabilities
• Cognitive Impairment

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

In a study involving two older adults with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, cognitive training led to improved performance on untrained measures of attention and reasoning for one participant after 40 training sessions.

Both participants reported fewer cognitive failures in daily life and improved mood after completing the training, suggesting potential benefits of cognitive training beyond the specific tasks practiced.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single case study of computerised cognitive training for older persons with mild cognitive impairment. Finn, M., McDonald, S.[2018]

In a study of 61 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), working memory training (WMT) significantly improved cognitive functions, particularly in those with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI), with effects lasting up to 16 weeks for this group.

The naMCI group showed greater training benefits, especially among individuals with the LMX1A-AA genotype and APOE-ε4 carriers, indicating that genetic factors may influence the efficacy of cognitive training interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Working Memory Training in Amnestic and Non-amnestic Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Preliminary Findings From Genotype Variants on Training Effects. Hernes, SS., Flak, MM., Løhaugen, GCC., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 81 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), no significant changes in cortical thickness were observed after either adaptive or non-adaptive working memory training, suggesting that these training methods may not enhance brain structure in this population.

However, participants with the LMX1A-AA genotype showed increased cortical thickness trajectories in certain brain regions post-training, indicating potential neuroplastic benefits that warrant further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cortical Thickness Changes After Computerized Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Hol, HR., Flak, MM., Chang, L., et al.[2022]

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]

The EPIREMED study aims to assess the long-term effects of the Cogmed cognitive training program on visuospatial processing in very preterm children, involving 166 participants aged 5½ to 6 years over an 18-month period.

The study seeks to demonstrate that early cognitive training can improve working memory and overall neuropsychological development, potentially leading to better learning outcomes and reduced behavioral issues in this vulnerable population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized EPIREMED protocol study on the long-term visuo spatial effects of very preterm children with a working memory deficit. Gire, C., Beltran Anzola, A., Kaminski, M., et al.[2021]

The new computerized cognitive rehabilitation program, Bettercog, showed significant improvement in cognitive function, particularly in memory and overall cognitive scores, after 12 sessions with elderly patients suffering from cognitive decline.

While Bettercog demonstrated efficacy in enhancing cognitive abilities, there was no significant difference in overall outcomes compared to the previously established program, COMCOG, indicating that both programs may be effective but further research is needed to optimize treatment duration and content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the effects between 2 computerized cognitive training programs, Bettercog and COMCOG, on elderly patients with MCI and mild dementia: A single-blind randomized controlled study. Lee, GJ., Bang, HJ., Lee, KM., et al.[2021]

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