Improve New Learning and Memory in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Summary

The current study is a double-blind, placebo-control randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of memory retraining in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Impairment in higher level cognitive processing, such as new learning and memory, is one of the most common deficits in individuals with MCI and such deficits have been shown to exert significant negative impact on multiple aspects of everyday life, including occupational and social functioning. Despite these findings, few studies have attempted to treat these cognitive deficits in order to improve the everyday functioning of individuals with MCI. Through a small randomized clinical trial, the investigators found that individuals with MCI with documented cognitive impairment show a significant improvement in their memory performance following a treatment protocol designed to facilitate learning. The current proposal will replicate this finding and further evaluate (a) the impact of the treatment on everyday functioning, (b) the long term efficacy of the treatment and (c) the utility of booster sessions in facilitating long-term treatment effects. We will randomly assign older individuals who meet criteria for a diagnosis of amnestic MCI to a memory retraining group or a placebo control group. Both groups will undergo baseline, immediate and long-term follow-up assessment consisting of: (1) a traditional neuropsychological battery, (2) an assessment of global functioning examining the impact of the treatment on daily activities, and (3) functional neuroimaging. This design will allow the investigators to evaluate the efficacy of this particular memory retraining technique in an aMCI population through the assessment of cognitive function via a standard evaluation. In addition, the investigators will be able to draw conclusions regarding the impact of this particular memory remediation program on everyday life from questionnaires completed by the participant and a significant other. Optional enrollment in pre- post neuroimaging will also allow the investigators to look at changes in the brain.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Memory Retraining Exercises

Memory retraining exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).

BEHAVIORAL

Placebo Control Memory Exercises

Placebo control memory exercises will be administered on a laptop computer twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Michigan

  collaborator OTHER

• Michigan State University

  collaborator OTHER

• Kessler Foundation

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nancy Chiaravalloti · Kessler Foundation

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-28

Primary Completion

2027-03-31

Completion

2027-03-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations