Cognitive Brain Training in Older Adults

Summary

The investigators will conduct a 8-week proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy of Fit Brains (Rosetta Stone Canada) training -- a mobile cognitive training program -- on cognitive and brain plasticity in older adults. The investigators will also explore whether Fit Brains training paired with a brief bout of exercise would enhance the potential cognitive benefits of Fit Brains. In addition, the investigators will explore the long-term effects of cognitive training by performing a 1-year follow-up measurement (i.e., 1-year after study completion).

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Fit Brains Training

These hourly classes will consist of cognitive brain training (Fit Brains by Rosetta Stone) on a mobile device (tablet/iPad). Fit Brains offers 60+ different training games, each targeting one of five cognitive domains - executive functions, memory, concentration/attention, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed. Each game lasts exactly 60 seconds during which individuals aim to answer as many questions correctly. The difficulty of the game increases after each correct answer. Each game has three level of difficulty: 1) novice; 2) intermediate; and 3) advanced.

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise + Fit Brains Training

These classes combine aerobic training and cognitive training. The classes will consist of a 15-minute walk prior to cognitive brain training (Fit Brains by Rosetta Stone) on a mobile device (tablet/iPad). Fit Brains offers 60+ different training games, each targeting one of five cognitive domains - executive functions, memory, concentration/attention, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed. Each game lasts exactly 60 seconds during which individual aims to answer as many questions correctly. The difficulty of the game increases after each correct answer. Each game has three level of difficulty: 1) novice; 2) intermediate; and 3) advanced.

BEHAVIORAL

Balanced And Tone

These classes will consist of hourly sham training class, hourly classes of sham exercise (e.g., balance, stretching, range of motion), and hourly educational classes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mitacs

  collaborator INDUSTRY

• University of British Columbia

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD · University of British Columbia

• John R Best, PhD · University of British Columbia

• Lindsay S Nagamatsu, PhD · University of Western Ontario, Canada

• Lisanne F ten Brinke, MSc · University of British Columbia

• Conny Lin, MsC · Rosetta Stone Canada

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-01-31

Primary Completion

2018-09-30

Completion

2018-09-30

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations