INHANCE: Improving Neurological Health in Aging Via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
This study is a validation study to evaluate efficacy of a neuroplasticity-based, computerized cognitive training program INHANCE (Improving Neurological Health in Aging via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise) to improve neurological and neuropsychological health in older adults.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
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N/A |
Detailed Description
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a targeted speed and alertness training program (INHANCE) to improve cognition in healthy older adults, as evidenced by standard measures of cognition, and positive improvements in the neuromodulatory cholinergic system as measured via positron-emission tomography (PET).
The investigators will employ a double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial design comprised of a treatment group using INHANCE, a computerized program that trains speed of processing and attention, compared to an active control group using computer games in 90 healthy older adults.
Approximately 108 participants will be consented to ensure the successful completion of 90 participants (post 20% attrition). Participants will then complete the Screening (V0) assessments to determine eligibility. Following inclusion, participants will complete the Baseline (V1) assessments, PET imaging and structural MRI scan; participants will then be randomized into either the INHANCE training or Computer Games, and will engage in approximately 35 hours of program use for the 10-week intervention period. Approximately halfway through the intervention period (~5 weeks), participants will complete Interim (V2) assessments to be compared to the Post-Intervention assessments. Following the 10-week intervention, participants will complete a Post-Intervention (V3) assessment and PET imaging to evaluate changes in cognitive function. Participants will then stop using their assigned program for 3 months and return for a Follow-up (V4) end-of-study assessment to evaluate the endurance of changes in cognitive function in the absence of further program use.
The protocol will be conducted in accordance with the protocol submitted to and approved by the National Institute on Health (NIH), and subject to Institutional Review Board review and approval prior to implementation.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Experimental Treatment Computerized plasticity-based adaptive cognitive training requiring a total maximum of 70 treatment sessions, up to 7 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session. |
Other: Computerized Plasticity-Based Adaptive Cognitive Training
Thirty minutes of training on computerized exercises that targets visual processing speed, memory, attention and alertness.
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| Active Comparator: Active Comparator Commercially available computerized training requiring a total maximum of 70 treatment sessions, up to 7 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session. |
Other: Commercially available computerized training
Thirty minutes of training on computerized, casual video games.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Change in FEOVB uptake through PET Imaging [At 3 months (post-intervention)]
18F-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol (FEOBV) uptake as measured through Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ligand imaging.
Other Outcome Measures
- Change in EXAMINER Executive Composite Score [At 3 months (post-intervention) and at 6 months (follow-up)]
The EXAMINER is a computer based battery of executive function tests which yields a total or 'composite' score to represent global executive functioning. Executive composite scores can range from -3.0 to 3.0 with higher scores corresponding to better executive functioning, and negative scores indicating impairment.
- Change in Useful Field of View (UFOV) Score [At 3 months (post-intervention) and at 6 months (follow-up)]
This is a computerized assessment that serves as a positive control for task learning. A single exposure duration (in milliseconds) required for users to achieve approximately 80% criterion accuracy in identification of central and peripheral targets. The score range is 10ms - 5000ms (lower scores indicate better performance).
- Change in Tonic and Phasic Alertness (TAPAT) Score [At 0 months (pre-intervention), at 3 months (post-intervention) and at 6 months (follow-up)]
This is a computerized assessment that serves as a positive control for task learning. A single target frequency required for users to achieve at least 80% accuracy in target and foil identification for a pre-specified target image presented among similar foil images. The score range is 1-7 corresponding to 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, and 10% target frequencies (higher scores indicate better performance).
- Change in Heart Rate Variability [At 3 months (post-intervention) and at 6 months (follow-up)]
Heart rate variability will be measured to determine acetylcholinergic function over time.
- Change in Pupillometry [At 3 months (post-intervention) and at 6 months (follow-up)]
Pupil dilation will be measured to determine acetylcholinergic function over time.
- Stricture and Resting through MRI Imaging [At 3 months (post-intervention)]
Stricture and resting will be observed through MRI Imaging.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Potential participant must be 65+ years old at the time of study screening.
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Potential participant should achieve a score of ≥ 23 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
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Potential participant must be likely able to compete all primary outcome measures in the judgment of the consenting study staff person.
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Potential participant must demonstrate adequate decisional capacity, in the judgment of the consenting study staff member, to make a choice about participating in this research study.
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Potential participant must have the visual, auditory, and motors capacity to use the computerized intervention in the judgment of the consenting study staff person.
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Potential participant must already have, be willing to obtain, or be willing to travel to locations with WiFi connectivity to complete intervention activities.
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Potential participant must be a fluent English or French speaker from the age of 12.
Exclusion Criteria:
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Potential participant should not have an existing diagnosis of major or minor neurocognitive disorder at screening.
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Potential participants with active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent or suicide-related behaviors within 2 months of consent as measured by the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
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Potential participant should not have a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score of >10.
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Potential participant should not have been treated within 5 years of the date of consent with a computer-based cognitive training program manufactured by Posit Science.
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Potential participant should not be participating in a concurrent clinical trial (involving an investigational pharmaceutical, behavioral treatment, medical device or other) that, in the judgment of the Site Principal Investigator, could affect the outcome of this study.
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Potential participant may not be pregnant and should not have claustrophobia or implantation with any medical devices above the waist that may concentrate radio frequency fields, or have other medical issues that may frustrate participation in MRI imaging procedures.
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Potential participant should not have medical illnesses deemed to interfere with participation in study activities and/or unstable and/or untreated conditions that may affect cognition, including substance abuse/dependence disorders, drugs that interfere with cholinergic function, ongoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment.
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Potential participant who shows signs of intoxication due to current substance abuse (including alcohol and/or illegal drugs) will be excluded.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McGill University | Montréal | Quebec | Canada | H3A 2B4 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Posit Science Corporation
- McGill University
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Thomas Van Vleet, PhD, Posit Science Corporation
- Principal Investigator: Mouna Attarha, PhD, Posit Science Corporation
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- PSC-0903-19