FarbMCI2012: Cognitive Activation Therapy for MCI: A Randomized Control Study
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes an initial phase of cognitive decline, usually among older adults, in which a person notices a decline in attention or memory, and performs worse than normal on cognitive tests of such. People with MCI are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or related dementia than others their same age, and so MCI is thought of as an early warning sign of progressive cognitive decline.
While some forms of MCI may be brought about by purely genetic causes, other cases may be due to a withdrawal of cognitive engagement with the world. In these cases, a rigorous program of cognitive training may be beneficial, halting or reversing symptom progression.
The current study will evaluate a multifaceted cognitive activation program on older adults with MCI. This group program is intensive, running for 10 weeks, 3 times per week, for a total of 100 hours of training. Training consists of meditation exercises for broad attention activation, Tai Chi exercises to integrate cognition with body awareness, and cognitive training through computerized attention, memory, and problem solving exercise.
Subjective impressions and objective measures of cognitive ability will be measured before and after the intervention. The investigators will also examine effects on mood and levels of daily function. Results will be compared to a waitlisted control group. The control group will subsequently be entered into a home-based version of the program for 10 weeks, with assessment before and after training, to look at the importance of the group meeting dynamic in promoting cognitive change.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
Phase 1 |
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Active Comparator: Waitlist Control / Home-based training This group will serve as a waitlist control group while the active group is performing training. Following assessment at the end of the active group period, this group will begin home-based training and will be assessed at the end of that 10 week period. |
Behavioral: Waitlist Control / Home-based training
Computer-based cognitive training - 20 minutes / day Daily walking - 20 minutes / day Biofeedback relaxation Training - 20 minutes / day
Other Names:
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| Experimental: Cognitive Activation Group This group will attend the 3/week group intervention meetings over 10 weeks. |
Behavioral: Cogntive Activation Training
Mindfulness-based stress reduction - 30 minutes / class x 3 classes / week; optional home practice Tai Chi - 30 minutes / class x 3 classes / week; optional home practice Computer-based cognitive training - 20 minutes / class x 3 classes / week; optional home practice
Other Names:
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Processing Speed [Before and After Intervention]
Processing speed on computerized cognitive task.
- Memory [Before and After Intervention]
Tests of immediate recall and delayed recall, recognition, and familiarity.
- Executive Function [Before and After Intervention]
Tests of inhibition, task switching, and problem solving.
- Attention / Working Memory [Before and after intervention]
Working memory measures such as digit span, selection of targets among distractors, etc.
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Mood and Well-being [Before and after intervention]
Tests of dysphoric affect and subjective quality of life
- Daily Function [Before and after intervention]
Tests of instrumental activities of daily living
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Subjective complaint about decline in memory or attention
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1 deviation below age-norm performance on memory or attention tasks
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Independence in daily living
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English speaking
Exclusion Criteria:
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Neurological disorders (including aphasias) or reversible causes of dementia (e.g., hypothyroidism or B12 deficiency)
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Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score < 24
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Clinical mood disorder such as depression or anxiety
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Other serious medical conditions that preclude participation in the program
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baycrest | Toronto | Ontario | Canada | M6A2E1 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
- Roy Hintsa
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Additional Information:
Publications
None provided.- RRI_Farb_001