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

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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why 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. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

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

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

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?

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+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11060990/

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.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525861015004351

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 ...

3. ejgg.org ejgg.org/articles/the-efficacy-of-the-computer-based-multi-domain-cognitive-training-program-on-the-cognitive-performance-of-healthy-older-adults-a-pilot-randomized-controlled-study/ejgg.galenos.2024.2023-10-5

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 ...

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91867-z

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 ...

5. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-023-04617-3

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 ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9449830/

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 ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S227458072400061X

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 ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10401737/

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 ...