Social Cognition Training for Huntington's Disease

Overseen By Tyler Svymbersky

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center

Must be taking: Psychotropics

Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Learning disabilities, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a computer-based program called Social Cognition Training can help individuals with Huntington's Disease better understand social cues, such as recognizing when someone is sad or happy. The goal is to enhance their interactions and overall quality of life while also reducing the burden on caregivers. As a pilot study, it serves as a small, initial test to assess whether the program shows enough promise for a larger study. Suitable candidates for this trial have been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease through genetic testing and have access to a computer or mobile device.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to early research that could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial requires that participants have a stable psychotropic medication regimen for 4 weeks, so you do not need to stop your current medications if they have been stable for that period.

What prior data suggests that this social cognition training is safe for individuals with Huntington's Disease?

Research has shown that social cognition training has been tested in people with schizophrenia, who face similar thinking challenges as those with Huntington's Disease. In these studies, the training improved social understanding without major side effects. Although this training is new for Huntington's Disease, similar methods have proven safe in other contexts.

This trial is in a phase called "not applicable," indicating it is in the early stages or involves non-drug methods. At this point, researchers are primarily assessing whether the training can be studied and used effectively. While there is limited safety data, the absence of drugs suggests a lower likelihood of physical harm compared to medication-based treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Social Cognition Training is unique because it targets the cognitive and social challenges faced by individuals with Huntington's disease, which are often not addressed by current treatments primarily focused on movement symptoms. Unlike medications that aim to manage symptoms like involuntary movements or psychiatric issues, Social Cognition Training works to improve understanding and interpretation of social cues, which can enhance daily interactions and quality of life. Researchers are excited about this approach as it offers a non-drug option to potentially improve social functioning and emotional well-being, aspects that are crucial yet under-treated in Huntington's disease care.

What evidence suggests that social cognition training might be an effective treatment for Huntington's Disease?

Research has shown that training in understanding social cues can help people with Huntington's disease. This trial will focus on Social Cognition Training, which has already improved social skills in people with schizophrenia, though its effects on Huntington's disease remain under study. Keeping the brain active might slow the progression of problems seen in diseases like Huntington's. The goal is to enhance understanding and response to others' emotions, potentially improving quality of life and reducing stress for caregivers. Early results from similar programs are promising, but further research is needed to confirm these benefits for Huntington's disease. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Huntington's Disease who have difficulties understanding and responding to social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice. The goal is to see if a computer program can help improve these skills.

Inclusion Criteria

Native English speaker who is literate in English

Must have a score of 'somewhat easily' on all items in the CPQ-12

MOCA >18

Exclusion Criteria

History of learning and/or intellectual disabilities

Currently actively involved in any other interventional trial or within 4 weeks of completing the final assessments of an interventional trial

Active suicidal ideation with some intent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Social Cognition Training

Participants undergo computerized social cognition training to improve social cognition, social functioning, and quality of life

6-12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after training

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Cognition Training

Trial Overview

The study tests a computerized Social Cognition Training program designed to enhance the ability of people with Huntington's Disease to understand others' emotions and perspectives, potentially improving their social interactions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Social Cognition Training Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rush University Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

448

Recruited

247,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06828471

Social Cognition Training in Individuals With Huntington's ...

This will be a feasibility study that aims to show that social cognition training in HD can be studied in preparation for a larger randomized controlled trial.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11757664/

Feasibility and effects of cognitive training on ...

Feasibility and effects of cognitive training on cognition and psychosocial function in Huntington's disease: a randomised pilot trial.

3.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/social-cognition-training-for-huntingtons-disease-5865d

Social Cognition Training for Huntington's Disease

The investigators hypothesize that social cognition training can improve social cognition, social functioning, and quality of life in individuals with ...

4.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41598-024-76680-8

Cognitive engagement may slow clinical progression and ...

Studies suggest that an active cognitive lifestyle can reduce deficits in agingand neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease ( ...

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022510X20303592

The effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on ...

This study adds to the accumulating body of literature to suggest that multidisciplinary rehabilitation is of clinical benefit for individuals with HD.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10813604/

The Role of Innovation Technology in the Rehabilitation ...

Physical activity and exercise outcomes in Huntington's disease (PACE-HD): Results of a 12-month trial-within-cohort feasibility study of a ...

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353802022002048

Physical activity and exercise outcomes in Huntington's ...

A 12-month physical activity intervention for Huntington's disease was feasible and safe. Nesting a trial within a cohort is feasible for long-term physical ...

8.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/7/838

Problems with Social Cognition and Decision-Making in ...

In HD, social cognitive changes have been linked to levels of self-reported social distress [7] and are likely to underpin the observed social impairments. To ...