Effect of Computerized Cognitive Training in Persons With MS

Summary

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects approximately one million people in the United States and 2.5 million worldwide. Between one million and 1.75 million persons with MS (PwMS) worldwide are estimated to suffer from cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, there is currently no consensus on the best treatment for cognitive impairment in PwMS. The objective for this study is to determine if a computerized cognitive training using the BrainHQ platform can improve cognitive impairment in PwMS. The central hypothesis is that computerized cognitive training will show some improvement in cognitive impairment. The rationale for this study is to treat all aspects of MS, not just the physical symptoms and to help PwMS live their best life. Cognitive impairment is associated with higher rates of depression in PwMS and depression leads to medication non-adherence. This means the cognitive impairment so many PwMS are dealing with must be treated. Finding non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate cognitive declines are essential to ensure that quality of life for PwMS patients matches our ability to treat and mitigate their physical symptoms of MS. To obtain the overall objectives for this study the following specific aim will be pursued: Determine the effectiveness of computerized cognitive training on changes in cognitive impairment for PwMS. This will be accomplished by completing a randomized clinical trial with two groups: computerized cognitive training using BrainHQ and an active control group that will complete non-cognitive training programs on BrainHQ. Subjects will complete the BICAMS battery at baseline and at the end of their six week intervention. Subjects will be prescribed online activities through BrainHQ to complete 2-3 times a week for approximately 20-30 minutes each. Subjects will also be asked to wear an accelerometer for a week to determine if physical activity affects cognition. The proposed research is significant because MS is diagnosed on average at age 30, meaning a high percentage of the PwMS that are suffering with cognitive impairment are in their second, third and fourth decade when they are trying to raise a family, finish college, further their career and have active social lives.

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

Interventions

DEVICE

BrainHQ cognitive training

Posit Science's BrainHQ exercises are based on the science of "neuroplasticity," also called "brain plasticity." Brain plasticity is your brain's natural ability to remodel itself throughout life. The brain is always changing, sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse. What BrainHQ's exercises do is harness that change and direct it in ways that can enhance your overall performance and improve the quality of your life. BrainHQ exercises are grouped into six categories: Attention, Memory, Brain Speed, Intelligence, People Skills, and Navigation.

DEVICE

BrainHQ control games

BrainHQ also offers control games for research studies. The control activities will be games similar to candy crush, connect four, gem swap and battleship.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Nebraska

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Samantha J Jack, MS · University of Nebraska

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

19 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-06-28

Primary Completion

2022-10-21

Completion

2022-10-21

Countries

• United States

Study Locations