Memory Training for Brain Health

Overseen By Erin Venza, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas at Dallas

Disqualifiers: Neurodegenerative disease, Stroke, Brain injury, Autism, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 2 sessions

63 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) has been suggested as a promising brain imaging tool for identifying biomarkers of brain health. In this pilot study, study investigators will explore the neurophysiological metrics of brain health with a non-invasive brain imaging technique, alongside behavioral and fMRI metrics collected through another study (NCT04869111).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART)?

Research on similar memory training programs, like the Strategy-based Training to Enhance Memory (STEM) in multiple sclerosis, shows that such treatments can improve daily functioning and memory. Additionally, studies on multi-strategic memory training in older adults suggest that these programs can lead to cognitive improvements, especially in individuals with certain brain characteristics. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the memory training treatment generally safe for humans?

The RehaCom cognitive training program, which is similar to memory training techniques, was used in patients with brain injuries and showed no negative effects like mental fatigue, headache, or eye irritation, suggesting it is generally safe. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

How is the SMART treatment different from other memory training treatments?

The SMART treatment is unique because it focuses on strategic memory and advanced reasoning training, which has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment. Unlike other treatments, it emphasizes the use of multiple strategies and metamemory (awareness of one's own memory processes) to enhance cognitive abilities. ^{3 4 9 10 11}

Research Team

Sandra Chapman, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas at Dallas

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals at least 22 years old who are fluent in English, can interact with computer-based information, and are already participating in The BrainHealth Project. They must pass safety screenings for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and MRI scans, meaning no non-removable metal on/in the body, severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, significant vision issues without correction, head trauma or central nervous system disease.

Inclusion Criteria

I can read and hear information on a computer.

I am fluent in English.

I am at least 22 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo two in-person sessions with the Delphi-MD device, aligned with pre-scheduled imaging appointments

2 sessions

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to one year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training

Trial Overview The study tests how well a combination of brain imaging techniques (transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography) works to identify markers of brain health. It's part of a pilot study that includes behavioral assessments and fMRI metrics from another ongoing research project.

Participant Groups

Group I: Online Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training & Stress Solutions Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) teaches meta-cognitive strategies for individuals to apply to their daily lives for improved performance Stress Solutions provides individuals with opportunities to extend the SMART principles to domains of stress and resilience.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas at Dallas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

71

Recruited

108,000+

Findings from Research

The modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) significantly improved memory and learning in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), as shown by changes in cerebral activation in key brain networks after treatment.

In a randomized clinical trial with 18 participants, the treatment group exhibited notable differences in brain activation compared to the placebo group, indicating that behavioral interventions like mSMT can effectively enhance cognitive function in TBI patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining the Efficacy of the Modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) in Persons With TBI Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): The TBI-MEM Trial. Chiaravalloti, ND., Dobryakova, E., Wylie, GR., et al.[2019]

In a study of 178 adults with major depressive disorder, using constructive memory support strategies eight times per therapy session was found to optimize treatment outcomes and improve patient recall of treatment content.

The research suggests that the effectiveness of therapy can be enhanced by the frequency of memory support provided by therapists, with implications for long-term patient adherence and recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing outcomes, mechanisms, and recall of Cognitive Therapy for depression: Dose of constructive memory support strategies. Sarfan, LD., Zieve, G., Gumport, NB., et al.[2023]

In a study of 49 older adults, those with lower education levels were more likely to show cognitive improvement after participating in a multi-strategic memory training program, suggesting that educational background may influence training efficacy.

Brain imaging revealed that specific morphological features, such as thinner cortices in certain brain regions and higher white matter anisotropy, can predict cognitive gains from memory training, highlighting the importance of individual brain characteristics in tailoring cognitive interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neural predictors of cognitive improvement by multi-strategic memory training based on metamemory in older adults with subjective memory complaints. Park, S., Ryu, SH., Yoo, Y., et al.[2019]

A study involving 44 older adults (ages 60-83) demonstrated that a strategic memory training program effectively improved both practiced (word list learning) and non-practiced memory tasks (like grocery list learning).

Individuals with higher baseline memory capacity and better cognitive resources, such as processing speed, were more likely to benefit from the training, suggesting that personalized interventions could be designed based on an individual's cognitive profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of strategic memory training in older adults: who benefits most? Rosi, A., Del Signore, F., Canelli, E., et al.[2019]

The Strategy-based Training to Enhance Memory (STEM) program showed significant improvements in daily functioning for participants with multiple sclerosis (MS), based on self-report measures from a pilot study involving 20 participants.

Objective neuropsychological tests indicated a medium-large effect on verbal new learning and memory (NLM) in the treatment group, suggesting that STEM could be an effective intervention for memory impairments in MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The application of Strategy-based Training to Enhance Memory (STEM) in multiple sclerosis: A pilot RCT. Chiaravalloti, ND., Moore, NB., Weber, E., et al.[2021]

Differential outcomes training, which uses unique rewards for correct responses, has been shown to improve learning and memory in individuals with Korsakoff syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, both of which are associated with memory deficits.

The positive results from this training method suggest it could be developed into an effective intervention to help individuals with learning and memory impairments improve their daily functioning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Differential outcomes training facilitates memory in people with Korsakoff and Prader-Willi syndromes. Hochhalter, AK., Joseph, B.[2019]

The RehaCom computerized cognitive training program significantly improved attention and memory functions in 50 brain injury patients after 60 training sessions, with all patients showing enhanced performance in the targeted areas.

The program was well-tolerated, with no reported negative effects such as mental fatigue, headache, or eye irritation, indicating its safety for use in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical impact of RehaCom software for cognitive rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injury. Fernández, E., Bringas, ML., Salazar, S., et al.[2022]

In a randomized clinical trial with 29 participants who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and learning deficits, those with moderate to severe impairments showed significant improvements in learning abilities after undergoing the Story Memory Technique (SMT) compared to a control group, with 88% of the experimental group benefiting from the treatment.

Self-reported memory improvements were significant in participants who received the SMT treatment, highlighting the effectiveness of this memory rehabilitation program, especially for those with more severe learning impairments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treating learning impairments improves memory performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial. Chiaravalloti, ND., DeLuca, J., Moore, NB., et al.[2022]

A 10-week mobile health mnemonic strategy training (MST) for 158 patients with mild cognitive impairment significantly improved brain network synchronization and cortical-level integration, indicating potential benefits for cognitive function.

The training led to enhanced neuropsychological performance, with a correlation found between improved cognitive abilities and increased global cost efficiency of the brain's cortical network.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mnemonic strategy training of the elderly at risk for dementia enhances integration of information processing via cross-frequency coupling. Dimitriadis, SI., Tarnanas, I., Wiederhold, M., et al.[2020]

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]

A meta-analysis of 1,543 participants from 16 studies found that brain training programs using computerized cognitive games significantly improved processing speed, working memory, executive function, and verbal memory in healthy individuals over 60 years old.

These cognitive games did not show improvements in attention or visuospatial abilities, indicating that while they are effective for certain cognitive functions, they may not enhance all areas of cognition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of commercial computerised cognitive games in older adults: a meta-analysis. Bonnechère, B., Langley, C., Sahakian, BJ.[2021]

References

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

Examining the Efficacy of the Modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) in Persons With TBI Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): The TBI-MEM Trial. [2019]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing outcomes, mechanisms, and recall of Cognitive Therapy for depression: Dose of constructive memory support strategies. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neural predictors of cognitive improvement by multi-strategic memory training based on metamemory in older adults with subjective memory complaints. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of strategic memory training in older adults: who benefits most? [2019]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The application of Strategy-based Training to Enhance Memory (STEM) in multiple sclerosis: A pilot RCT. [2021]

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

Differential outcomes training facilitates memory in people with Korsakoff and Prader-Willi syndromes. [2019]

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

Clinical impact of RehaCom software for cognitive rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injury. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treating learning impairments improves memory performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial. [2022]

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

Mnemonic strategy training of the elderly at risk for dementia enhances integration of information processing via cross-frequency coupling. [2020]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of commercial computerised cognitive games in older adults: a meta-analysis. [2021]