Web-based Cognitive Training for Healthy Aging

(MUST Trial)

Overseen By Ana Staniscia Associate Research, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Must not be taking: Cognitive enhancers

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Dementia, Stroke, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 14

Duration: 4 weeks

130 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Executive Control is a relevant cognitive target since it declines with aging and is critical for multi-tasking in daily life. The proposed research investigates whether playing a web-based cognitive complex game (the Breakfast Game) impacts cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. To be enrolled in the study, participants will be asked to undergo a cognitive sassessment, health questionnires, and a blood exam. The intervention consist in one educational session on healthy aging, and 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions 2-3 times a week over one month. Participants will be asked to repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention, and after three months.

Research Team

Sharon Sanz Simon Assistant Professor, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Rutgers University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for cognitively healthy older adults interested in participating in a study that may help reduce age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk. Participants must complete a cognitive assessment, health questionnaires, and a blood exam to join.

Inclusion Criteria

Adequate English proficiency

I am between 60 and 75 years old.

I am willing to follow the study's requirements, including attending assessments and online sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study

Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation

Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete a cognitive assessment, health questionnaires, and a blood exam

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions over 4 weeks

4 weeks

10 sessions (virtual)

Post-Intervention Assessment

Participants repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for cognitive performance 3 months after the intervention

3 months

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)
• Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)

Trial Overview The study tests the effect of playing a web-based cognitive game on executive control abilities important for multitasking. It includes an educational session on healthy aging and ten one-hour training sessions over one month with follow-up assessments.

Participant Groups

Group I: Strategy Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game using specific strategies to optimize their performance.

Group II: Regular Training Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game under regular game instructions.

Group III: Passive Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+