Web-based Cognitive Training for Healthy Aging
(MUST Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether playing an online game can help maintain cognitive abilities in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The game simulates a breakfast environment where participants multitask by performing everyday activities like cooking and setting tables. Participants are divided into two groups: one plays with specific strategies to improve performance (Web-based Cognitive Training with strategy), while the other follows regular instructions (Web-based Cognitive Training without strategy). This trial may suit individuals aged 60-75 who are cognitively healthy and comfortable using a computer. Participants must commit to attending assessments, a blood test, and online sessions. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cognitive health in older adults.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, if you are taking medications known to influence cognitive performance, you will not be eligible to participate in this trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that online brain training programs are generally safe for older adults, helping to keep the mind sharp without major side effects.
A small study found that the version using specific techniques was easy for older adults to use and accept. Participants followed the program without problems, indicating it was well-received.
Similarly, various studies have tested the version without specific techniques, deeming it a safe and effective option for encouraging healthy habits in older adults.
Overall, both types of online brain training appear safe, with no reports of serious problems in these studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to enhance cognitive function in healthy aging individuals. Unlike traditional in-person cognitive training methods, these web-based cognitive training programs allow participants to engage in exercises from their own homes, making them more accessible and convenient. The trial examines two approaches: one uses specific strategies to optimize performance in a multitasking game, while the other follows regular game instructions. By comparing these methods, researchers hope to discover more effective strategies for maintaining cognitive health as we age, potentially offering a new, engaging way to keep our brains sharp.
What evidence suggests that this trial's web-based cognitive training treatments could be effective for healthy aging?
Research has shown that online brain training can improve thinking skills in older adults. In this trial, participants will divide into different groups to evaluate the effectiveness of web-based cognitive training. Studies have found that strategy-based training, which some participants will receive, enhances reasoning and the ability to manage multiple tasks, both crucial for multitasking. Meanwhile, other participants will engage in regular online training without specific strategies, which still boosts mental abilities. This evidence suggests that playing brain games online effectively maintains and possibly improves brain health with age.35678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sharon Sanz Simon Assistant Professor, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Rutgers University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a cognitive assessment, health questionnaires, and a blood exam
Treatment
Participants undergo 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions over 4 weeks
Post-Intervention Assessment
Participants repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cognitive performance 3 months after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
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.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
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.
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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
Cognitive Training with Older Adults Using Smartphone ...
This review focused on which apps were studied, the frequency of cognitive training, and what cognitive functions the interventions most focus on.
The Effect of an Online Cognitive Training Package in ...
Online CT confers significant benefit to cognition and function in older adults, with benefit favoring the Reasoning package. Scale of benefit is comparable ...
The Efficacy of the Computer-Based Multi-Domain ...
This study was carried out to examine the efficacy of a CBCT program on the cognitive functions of healthy older adults. An online CBCT program provided ...
Brain training using cognitive apps can improve ...
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a cognitive training performed using CMG in real-life use on cognitive performance in older adults ...
Digital interventions for healthy ageing and cognitive health in ...
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of digital intervention studies for facilitating healthy ageing and cognitive ...
Web-Based Interventions to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for ...
The objective of this scoping review is to explore the extent of the literature on web-based interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among people ...
Cognitive Training with Older Adults Using Smartphone ...
Within the realm of cognitive training and stimulation, studies have identified promising strategies for preserving cognitive function in healthy older adults ...
Feasibility and acceptability of a new web-based cognitive ...
The aim of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training in older adults, a new web-based cognitive ...
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