Strategic Training to Optimize Neurocognitive Functions in Older Adults

What Is This Study About?

This study will evaluate a cognitive training approach in adults to delay the onset of memory-related disorders. The training involves attentional control, the ability to focus on certain stimuli while avoiding others, during short-term memory exercises. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups involving game-based simulations requiring varying levels of attention control. Researchers will assess participants before and after training and six months later to measure changes in memory and thinking. In addition, neuroimaging data will be collected in a subgroup of participants to compare the effects of training on brain structures.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• At least a 10th grade education
• Learned English before age 5
• Not pregnant or likely to be pregnant
• Right-handed
• Mini-Mental State Examination score of 26 or greater (for older adults only) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 24 or more (for older adults only)
• Physical and sensory ability to undertake a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study

Must NOT have:

• Color blindness assessed by the Ishihara test
• Visual acuity of less than 20/30 on the Snellen eye chart after correction
• Diagnosis of any major psychiatric or neurologic disorders
• History of cardiovascular disease other than treated high blood pressure
• Illness or trauma affecting the central nervous system
• Substance/alcohol abuse and medication with anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, or hypnotics other than occasionally at bedtime
• Evidence of pathology (e.g. infarctions) on MRI scan

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: The University of Texas at Dallas

Collaborator Sponsor

• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03988829