Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: COGIT-2 Trial

Summary

Effective, clinically meaningful treatments are lacking for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is associated with increased risk of transition to dementia. Cognitive training represents an important therapeutic strategy. In a previous study, crossword puzzles were found to be superior to computerized cognitive training on the primary cognitive outcome and function with decreased brain atrophy. Building on these findings, this study will evaluate and compare the impact of high dose crosswords (4 puzzles per week) to low dose crosswords (1 puzzle per week) and a health education control group on the cognition and function of participants.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

55–89 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Other
  Cognitive Training

  Participants (n=240) will be randomized to high dose crosswords, low dose crosswords, and health education at 1:1:1 ratio, stratified by site, age (\< 70 and 70 years), and MCI status (early MCI and late MCI). In the two crossword puzzles conditions, after initial training to use the web-based platform, the participant will be assigned to do 12 weeks of crossword puzzles four times per week or 12 weeks of crossword puzzles once per week at home. After these 12 weeks, booster sessions will be either four or one 30-minute session(s) completed over 1 week. These booster sessions will occur at weeks 20, 32, 42, 52, 64, and 78. In-person assessments will occur at 0, 12, 32, 52, 78 weeks with one crossword puzzle session, which will count toward the booster session. Health education will involve reading chapters in a book on common illnesses and lifestyle, and a research staff member will review these chapters at the same assessment intervals as the crossword puzzles conditions.

Locations (4)