Feasibility and Efficacy of a Home-based, Computerized Cognitive Training Program in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Anemia |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Hematology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 7 - 16 |
| Updated: | 11/24/2018 |
| Start Date: | October 2014 |
| End Date: | August 2018 |
Disease-related neurocognitive deficits are common in pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD).
These deficits can significantly disrupt otherwise normal trajectories toward academic and
vocational achievement and negatively impact psychosocial outcomes. Despite widespread
recognition of neurocognitive deficits, there are no treatments shown to maintain or recover
functioning once a child with SCD endures neuronal damage. Cognitive training (CT) has been a
standard intervention used to stabilize and recover functioning in individuals with
accidental or disease-related brain injury. Recent advances in technology have led to the
development of computerized CT programs. This study seeks to assess the feasibility and
efficacy of using computerized CT with pediatric patients with SCD. Children and adolescents
with SCD between the ages of 7 and 16 years old (n = 80) will be recruited to complete a
randomized (intervention or waitlist-control) home-based computerized CT program (Cogmed).
Feasibility will be assessed by examining participation, retention, and program completion
rates, as well as feedback from a feasibility and acceptability questionnaire and a brief
qualitative interview. Participants will also complete assessments of attention, working
memory, and academic fluency at baseline and immediately following the intervention. A final
assessment will be conducted 6 months after the conclusion of the intervention to evaluate
the stability of treatment effects.
These deficits can significantly disrupt otherwise normal trajectories toward academic and
vocational achievement and negatively impact psychosocial outcomes. Despite widespread
recognition of neurocognitive deficits, there are no treatments shown to maintain or recover
functioning once a child with SCD endures neuronal damage. Cognitive training (CT) has been a
standard intervention used to stabilize and recover functioning in individuals with
accidental or disease-related brain injury. Recent advances in technology have led to the
development of computerized CT programs. This study seeks to assess the feasibility and
efficacy of using computerized CT with pediatric patients with SCD. Children and adolescents
with SCD between the ages of 7 and 16 years old (n = 80) will be recruited to complete a
randomized (intervention or waitlist-control) home-based computerized CT program (Cogmed).
Feasibility will be assessed by examining participation, retention, and program completion
rates, as well as feedback from a feasibility and acceptability questionnaire and a brief
qualitative interview. Participants will also complete assessments of attention, working
memory, and academic fluency at baseline and immediately following the intervention. A final
assessment will be conducted 6 months after the conclusion of the intervention to evaluate
the stability of treatment effects.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with sickle cell disease (HbSS, HbSC, or HbS-beta thalassemia).
- 7 to 16 years old.
- An absolute or relative working memory deficit.
- IQ of 70 or greater, as measured via the WISC-V.
- Presence of a caregiver who is willing and capable of providing consistent support and
supervision during Cogmed training.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Visual, motor, or auditory impairment that prevents computer use.
- Insufficient English fluency.
- Started taking or adjusted dose of medication to treat symptoms of ADHD in the last 30
days.
- Unreliable access to a source of electricity to charge an iPad battery.
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