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Augmenting Computerized Cognitive Training With Vortioxetine for Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Randomized
Eric J Lenze1, Angela Stevens1, Jill D Waring1
1Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry (Lenze, Stevens, Pham, Haddad), Department of Radiology (Shimony), and Division of Biostatistics (Miller), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; Department of Psychology, St. Louis University, St. Louis (Waring); and Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario (Bowie).
Vortioxetine combined with cognitive training improved global cognitive performance in older adults with age-related cognitive decline. This combination offers a promising new direction for treating cognitive decline in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Age-related cognitive decline impacts memory and executive function in older adults.
- No current treatments are approved for age-related cognitive decline.
- Computerized cognitive training offers modest cognitive improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cognitive benefits of vortioxetine combined with cognitive training.
- To assess vortioxetine's potential to augment cognitive training in adults aged 65+.
Main Methods:
- 100 participants aged 65+ with age-related cognitive decline were enrolled.
- Participants underwent a 2-week cognitive training lead-in period.
- Randomized assignment to vortioxetine or placebo plus 26 weeks of cognitive training.
Main Results:
- Vortioxetine plus cognitive training showed greater global cognitive performance improvement than placebo plus training.
- Significant cognitive improvement separation between groups observed at week 12.
- Both groups improved in functional cognition, with no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Vortioxetine may benefit age-related cognitive decline when used with cognitive training.
- This combination presents a novel therapeutic approach for cognitive decline in older adults.
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