Improve New Learning and Memory in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose

The current study is a double-blind, placebo-control randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of memory retraining in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Impairment in higher level cognitive processing, such as new learning and memory, is one of the most common deficits in individuals with MCI and such deficits have been shown to exert significant negative impact on multiple aspects of everyday life, including occupational and social functioning. Despite these findings, few studies have attempted to treat these cognitive deficits in order to improve the everyday functioning of individuals with MCI. Through a small randomized clinical trial, the investigators found that individuals with MCI with documented cognitive impairment show a significant improvement in their memory performance following a treatment protocol designed to facilitate learning. The current proposal will replicate this finding and further evaluate (a) the impact of the treatment on everyday functioning, (b) the long term efficacy of the treatment and (c) the utility of booster sessions in facilitating long-term treatment effects. We will randomly assign older individuals who meet criteria for a diagnosis of amnestic MCI to a memory retraining group or a placebo control group. Both groups will undergo baseline, immediate and long-term follow-up assessment consisting of: (1) a traditional neuropsychological battery, (2) an assessment of global functioning examining the impact of the treatment on daily activities, and (3) functional neuroimaging. This design will allow the investigators to evaluate the efficacy of this particular memory retraining technique in an aMCI population through the assessment of cognitive function via a standard evaluation. In addition, the investigators will be able to draw conclusions regarding the impact of this particular memory remediation program on everyday life from questionnaires completed by the participant and a significant other. Optional enrollment in pre- post neuroimaging will also allow the investigators to look at changes in the brain.

Condition

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 60 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • 60 or older. - read and speak English fluently. - Research based diagnosis of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Exclusion Criteria

  • prior stroke or neurological injury/disease (i.e. traumatic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Stroke). - history of significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis). - significant alcohol or drug abuse history (inpatient treatment). - Benzodiazepines and steroid use

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Experimental Group
The experimental group will receive memory retraining exercises administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).
  • Behavioral: Memory Retraining Exercises
    Memory retraining exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).
Placebo Comparator
Placebo Control Group
The placebo control group will receive placebo memory exercises administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 placebo control sessions).
  • Behavioral: Placebo Control Memory Exercises
    Placebo control memory exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).

Recruiting Locations

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
Contact:
Eileen Robinson
734-763-1356
robinsoe@med.umich.edu

Kessler Foundation Research Center
West Orange, New Jersey 07052
Contact:
Nancy B Moore, MA
973-324-8450
nbmoore@kesslerfoundation.org

More Details

NCT ID
NCT05396248
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Kessler Foundation

Study Contact

Nancy Moore
1973-324-8450
nbmoore@kesslerfoundation.org