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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
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The Memory Aid study: protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of computer-based
Marianne M Flak1, Susanne S Hernes, Linda Chang
1Department of Medicine, Geriatric Unity, The Memory Clinic, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway. marianne.moretro.flak@sshf.no.
Background:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by memory problems that are more severe than the normal cognitive changes due to aging, but less severe than dementia. Reduced working memory (WM) is regarded as one of the core symptoms of an MCI condition. Recent studies have indicated that WM can be improved through computer-based training. The objective of this study is to evaluate if WM training is effective in improving cognitive function in elderly patients with MCI, and if cognitive training induces structural changes in the white and gray matter of the brain, as assessed by structural MRI.
Methods/Designs:
The proposed study is a blinded, randomized, controlled trail that will include 90 elderly patients diagnosed with MCI at a hospital-based memory clinic. The participants will be randomized to either a training program or a placebo version of the program. The intervention is computerized WM training performed for 45 minutes of 25 sessions over 5 weeks. The placebo version is identical in duration but is non-adaptive in the difficulty level of the tasks. Neuropsychological assessment and structural MRI will be performed before and 1 month after training, and at a 5-month folllow-up.
Discussion:
If computer-based training results in positive changes to memory functions in patients with MCI this may represent a new, cost-effective treatment for MCI. Secondly, evaluation of any training-induced structural changes to gray or white matter will improve the current understanding of the mechanisms behind effective cognitive interventions in patients with MCI.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01991405. November 18, 2013.
Insights
Computerized working memory (WM) training may improve cognitive function in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study investigates if WM training also induces structural brain changes, offering a potential cost-effective MCI treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by memory deficits exceeding normal aging but less severe than dementia.
- Reduced working memory (WM) is a core symptom of MCI.
- Computer-based training shows promise for improving WM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of WM training in enhancing cognitive function in elderly MCI patients.
- To determine if cognitive training induces structural changes in brain gray and white matter using MRI.
Main Methods:
- A blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 90 elderly MCI patients.
- Participants were assigned to either a WM training program or a placebo program.
- Intervention: 25 sessions of computerized WM training over 5 weeks; Placebo: identical duration, non-adaptive tasks.
- Assessments: Neuropsychological tests and structural MRI before, 1 month after, and 5 months post-training.
Main Results:
- This section is not available in the provided abstract.
Conclusions:
- Positive changes in memory function from computer-based training could offer a cost-effective MCI treatment.
- Assessing training-induced structural brain changes will enhance understanding of cognitive intervention mechanisms in MCI.
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