Web-based Technology and Cognitive Training: Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Summary
Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Executive Control is a relevant cognitive target since it declines with aging and is critical for multi-tasking in daily life. The proposed research investigates whether playing a web-based cognitive complex game (the Breakfast Game) impacts cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. To be enrolled in the study, participants will be asked to undergo a cognitive sassessment, health questionnires, and a blood exam. The intervention consist in one educational session on healthy aging, and 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions 2-3 times a week over one month. Participants will be asked to repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention, and after three months.
Description
The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control / multi-tasking abilities will improve cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three groups: 1) Web-based game with training strategy (Experimental); 2) Web-based game without training strategy (Active Control); 3) No intervention group (Passive control). Participants in groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand online game, the Breakfast Game, for 10 one-hour sessions…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60-75 * Adequate English proficiency * Willingness to adhere to training protocol: * Attend 2 in-person assessments * Attend a blood test * Attend online intervention sessions and online follow-up assessment Exclusion Criteria: * Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance. * Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance. * Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. se…
Interventions
- BehavioralWeb-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)
Participants will learn to play a complex online game using specific guidance or strategy.
- BehavioralWeb-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)
Participants will learn to play a complex online game without specific guidance or strategy.
Location
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Behavior Health Sciences Building, F-LevelNewark, New Jersey