Spatial Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Daniel R Saumier, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Anti-anxiety, Opioids, Antipsychotics

Disqualifiers: PTSD, Anxiety, Heart disease, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 12 weeks

80 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a 3-month spatial memory training program can improve memory and brain health in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI involves noticeable memory problems, yet individuals can still function independently. The study focuses on the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory, which may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Individuals diagnosed with MCI who speak English or French might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance understanding and treatment of memory issues.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you have been on antidepressant, anti-anxiety, cholesterol, or hypertension medications for at least 3 months before joining. If you are taking medications for sleep problems, codeine, or antipsychotics, you cannot participate. The protocol does not specify other medication restrictions.

What prior data suggests that this spatial memory training is safe for individuals with mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that spatial memory training is generally safe for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In past studies, participants reported no major side effects from this type of training. A review of treatments for MCI found improvements in thinking skills without significant problems. Another study on virtual reality-based spatial memory training also found it safe, with participants experiencing memory benefits without harmful side effects. This suggests that spatial memory training is a safe choice for those seeking to enhance memory and thinking abilities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Spatial Memory Training for mild cognitive impairment because it focuses on enhancing cognitive function through a non-pharmacological approach. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medication to manage symptoms, this training program aims to directly improve spatial memory skills, potentially offering a more direct method of addressing memory issues. By engaging patients in exercises designed to boost their spatial awareness and memory, there's hope for a safer, side-effect-free option that could complement or even replace drug-based therapies.

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

Research has shown that training focused on spatial memory can improve memory and thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this trial, participants will receive Spatial Memory Training as part of the Spatial Memory Intervention Program (SMIP). One study found that this type of training led to better overall thinking abilities and improved self-assessments. Another study discovered that cognitive training could slow memory decline over five years in people with MCI. Additionally, computer-based cognitive exercises have boosted both verbal and visual memory in those with MCI. These findings suggest that spatial memory training might help maintain and even enhance memory skills in people at risk of developing dementia. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Véronique Bohbot, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 55 or older who speak English or French and have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). It's not specified who can't join, but typically those with other serious health issues might be excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 55 years old or older.

Primary language is English or French

Individuals having received a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Exclusion Criteria

I use pain medication that contains codeine or other opioids.

I have used antipsychotic medication before or am currently using it.

I've been on cholesterol or blood pressure meds for less than 3 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 12-week spatial memory intervention program or an active control condition

12 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive and memory performance post-treatment

29 weeks

2 visits (in-person) at 1 and 26 weeks post-treatment

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Spatial Memory Training

Trial Overview

The study is testing a spatial memory program called SMIP to see if it improves memory and brain function in the hippocampus, which could help prevent Alzheimer's. Participants will either receive this training or no intervention at all.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SMIP Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Spatial Memory Intervention Program

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

The control group will receive no intervention between baseline and follow-up.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

31

Recruited

2,800+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11307080/

Embodied Spatial Navigation Training in Mild Cognitive ...

We found that ANTaging significantly improved MT scores at FU compared to TAU. CSS slightly improved in both groups. Concerning secondary ...

2.

alzheimer.ca

alzheimer.ca/find-studies/research-study/spatial-memory-based-cognitive-intervention-mci-patients

Spatial Memory based Cognitive Intervention for MCI patients

This randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a hippocampus-targeted, computerized spatial memory intervention in older adults with Mild ...

3.

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 ...

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.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06079411

Study Details | NCT06079411 | Virtual Therapeutics for MCI

The current study aims to design, develop and test virtual therapeutics to train MCI spatial memory through virtual reality rehabilitation. 36 Participants will ...

7.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-cognitive-dysfunction-5-2025-4c0ef

Spatial Memory Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment

This N/A medical study run by Douglas Mental Health University Institute is evaluating whether Spatial Memory Training will have tolerable side effects ...