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

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will evaluate the efficacy of working memory training in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Working Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Research shows that computerized working memory training, like Cogmed, can improve working memory and other cognitive functions in people with mild cognitive impairment. Some studies found improvements in memory and language processing, and reduced memory complaints in everyday activities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is working memory training, like Cogmed, safe for humans?

Research on working memory training programs like Cogmed, used for various conditions including mild cognitive impairment and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, does not report any safety concerns, suggesting it is generally safe for humans. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is the Working Memory Training treatment different from other treatments for mild cognitive impairment?

Working Memory Training, specifically Cogmed, is unique because it is a computerized program designed to improve working memory through adaptive exercises, unlike other treatments that may not focus on this specific cognitive function or use technology in this way. ^{1 2 3 8 9}

Research Team

Alexandru Iordan, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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 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 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]

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]

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Training Program to Improve Working Memory in Older Adults with MCI. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptive Computerized Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. A Randomized Double-Blind Active Controlled Trial. [2022]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from a Multi-Strategic Metamemory Training. [2020]

4. Switzerland 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. [2021]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single case study of computerised cognitive training for older persons with mild cognitive impairment. [2018]

6. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Working memory training in normal and pathological aging: neurocognitive gains and generalization]. [2021]

7. England 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. [2021]

8. United States 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. [2021]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cortical Thickness Changes After Computerized Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. [2022]