Computerized Cognitive Intervention in the Oldest-Old
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Cognitive Studies, Cognitive Studies, Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 80 - Any |
| Updated: | 1/14/2018 |
| Start Date: | March 10, 2011 |
| End Date: | December 16, 2014 |
Computerized Cognitive Intervention in the Oldest-Old: A Feasibility Study
Little is known about preventive strategies with immediate public health impact for cognitive
functioning in the oldest-old (OO). Cognitive training improves cognitive functioning in the
young-old (YO; 60 to 84), yet has not been examined in the OO.
Clinical trials are needed to determine if computerized cognitive training is effective at
preventing or delaying cognitive decline in the OO. In order to develop such trials,
information regarding use of computers and internet by the OO, and the ability and interest
in such a program, must be determined.
This study will examine the effects of a computerized cognitive training program, CogniFit™,
with a "classic" computerized games program, on cognitive functioning in cognitively healthy
OO subjects. Information regarding use of computers and internet by the OO will be collected.
Interest in and ability to complete a computerized cognitive training program will be
examined, along with the cognitive, demographic, biological, and lifestyle characteristics
related to this interest and ability.
Efficacy of the CogniFit™ and games programs will be assessed immediately following the
training and four months after completing the training. The researchers expect that those who
use the CogniFit™ program will have greater improvements than those using the games program.
Finally, the participants' characteristics related to the efficacy of the programs will be
examined.
Subjects recruited for this project will include those already participating in several
studies of aging and cognition at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Recruiting from this
pool of subjects will provide this program with baseline information regarding numerous
subject characteristics, including cognition, family history, lifestyle, and cardiovascular
information.
This study will inform future large-scale clinical trials of computerized cognitive training
programs in the elderly, as well as provide information regarding the efficacy of such
training in the OO. In addition, the study will identify characteristics affecting efficacy
of computerized training, and thus, may suggest mechanisms through which cognitive training
improves cognitive functioning in the most senior citizens of our society.
functioning in the oldest-old (OO). Cognitive training improves cognitive functioning in the
young-old (YO; 60 to 84), yet has not been examined in the OO.
Clinical trials are needed to determine if computerized cognitive training is effective at
preventing or delaying cognitive decline in the OO. In order to develop such trials,
information regarding use of computers and internet by the OO, and the ability and interest
in such a program, must be determined.
This study will examine the effects of a computerized cognitive training program, CogniFit™,
with a "classic" computerized games program, on cognitive functioning in cognitively healthy
OO subjects. Information regarding use of computers and internet by the OO will be collected.
Interest in and ability to complete a computerized cognitive training program will be
examined, along with the cognitive, demographic, biological, and lifestyle characteristics
related to this interest and ability.
Efficacy of the CogniFit™ and games programs will be assessed immediately following the
training and four months after completing the training. The researchers expect that those who
use the CogniFit™ program will have greater improvements than those using the games program.
Finally, the participants' characteristics related to the efficacy of the programs will be
examined.
Subjects recruited for this project will include those already participating in several
studies of aging and cognition at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Recruiting from this
pool of subjects will provide this program with baseline information regarding numerous
subject characteristics, including cognition, family history, lifestyle, and cardiovascular
information.
This study will inform future large-scale clinical trials of computerized cognitive training
programs in the elderly, as well as provide information regarding the efficacy of such
training in the OO. In addition, the study will identify characteristics affecting efficacy
of computerized training, and thus, may suggest mechanisms through which cognitive training
improves cognitive functioning in the most senior citizens of our society.
Specific Aim 1- To estimate, in cognitively normal OO, rates of 1) computer and internet use,
2) willingness to participate in a computerized cognitive training program, 3) ability to
comply with the program to its completion.
Specific Aim 1a- To explore the relationships of baseline global cognition, sociodemographic,
ADL/IADL, lifestyle, and biological characteristics with willingness to participate in, and
with completion of a computerized cognitive training program.
Specific aim 2 - To compare the effectiveness of the CogniFit. and games programs 2 months
after initiation of the intervention (corresponding to the time to complete the
intervention).
Specific aim 2a - To compare the effectiveness of the CogniFit. and games programs 6 months
after initiation of intervention Specific aim 3- To explore the relevance of the wide range
of already available sociodemographic, lifestyle, ADL/IADL, and biological characteristics of
subjects with the differential effectiveness of the programs.
Results of this study will provide essential information for planning a large-scale trial of
computerized cognitive training program for the OO.
The current lack of disease modifying treatment to delay onset of slow progression to
Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the robust epidemiologic evidence suggesting modifiable
protective life-style factors (eg. cognitive and physical activity have led to particular
interest in life-style interventions that delay the onset or slow the progression of
cognitive decline.
2) willingness to participate in a computerized cognitive training program, 3) ability to
comply with the program to its completion.
Specific Aim 1a- To explore the relationships of baseline global cognition, sociodemographic,
ADL/IADL, lifestyle, and biological characteristics with willingness to participate in, and
with completion of a computerized cognitive training program.
Specific aim 2 - To compare the effectiveness of the CogniFit. and games programs 2 months
after initiation of the intervention (corresponding to the time to complete the
intervention).
Specific aim 2a - To compare the effectiveness of the CogniFit. and games programs 6 months
after initiation of intervention Specific aim 3- To explore the relevance of the wide range
of already available sociodemographic, lifestyle, ADL/IADL, and biological characteristics of
subjects with the differential effectiveness of the programs.
Results of this study will provide essential information for planning a large-scale trial of
computerized cognitive training program for the OO.
The current lack of disease modifying treatment to delay onset of slow progression to
Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the robust epidemiologic evidence suggesting modifiable
protective life-style factors (eg. cognitive and physical activity have led to particular
interest in life-style interventions that delay the onset or slow the progression of
cognitive decline.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 80+
- Normal cognition by consensus conference, MMSE> 25th percentile norm, CDR=0
- Has computer with internet access that is capable of running the computerized
cognitive training program.
- Willing to dedicate the necessary time to the project
Exclusion Criteria:
- Prior or current participation in another cognitive intervention study
- Medical disease that precludes consistent participation or that affects cognition
- Poor vision
- Poor hearing
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