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Effects and mechanisms of computerized cognitive training in Huntington's disease: protocol for a pilot study

Katharine Huynh1,2, Sharna Jamadar1,3, Julie Stout1

  • 1Turner Institute for Brain & Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.

Neurodegenerative Disease Management
|January 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This pilot study investigates computerized cognitive training (CCT) for Huntington's disease (HD). Results may reveal CCT's benefits for cognitive function and brain networks in HD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant cognitive decline.
  • Currently, no effective treatments exist to halt or reverse the cognitive deterioration associated with HD.
  • Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has demonstrated positive effects in other neurological conditions, but its utility in HD remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of a 12-week multidomain computerized cognitive training (CCT) program in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD).
  • To explore the underlying neural mechanisms, specifically functional brain network connectivity changes via MRI, associated with CCT in HD.
  • To assess the feasibility of CCT in the HD population, including recruitment, adherence, and retention rates.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study design involving an intervention group receiving 12 weeks of multidomain CCT and a control group receiving lifestyle education.
  • Primary outcome measure is the change in processing speed.
  • Secondary outcomes include changes in other cognitive domains, functional brain network connectivity (fMRI), and psychosocial function.

Main Results:

  • This section is to be filled after the study's completion and data analysis.

Conclusions:

  • This pilot study aims to provide preliminary insights into the potential benefits of CCT for cognitive function in Huntington's disease.
  • Findings may inform the design of larger, randomized controlled trials investigating CCT as a therapeutic intervention for HD.
  • Understanding the neural mechanisms could elucidate how CCT impacts brain function in the context of HD.

Keywords:
Huntington's diseasecognitioncognitive trainingfunctional connectivityrandomized controlled trial

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