Memory Aid - Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

NCT01991405 | Unknown

• 1 other identifier: MCI Working Memory Training.
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by memory problems more severe than normal cognitive changes due to old age, and less severe than dementia. Reduced working memory (WM) is regarded as one of the core symptoms of an MCI-condition. Recent studies have indicated that WM can be improved trough computer based training. Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate if working memory training is effective in improving working memory in elderly MCI-patients. Further, to evaluate if cognitive training relates to structural changes in the white and gray matter of the brain, assessed by structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Cognitive phenotypes related to memory impairment and progression to dementia will also be investigated. Patients and Methods: The proposed study is a blinded, randomized and controlled trail that will include 90 elderly patients from a Memory Clinic diagnosed with MCI. The groups will be randomized to either training or a placebo version. The intervention is computerized working memory training performed for 45 minutes over 25 sessions. Neuropsychological assessment and structural MRI will be performed before, 6 and 12 months after training. Relevance: Currently there is no known treatment available for mild memory impairment/MCI, and few studies on specific cognitive training in MCI-patients have been performed. The proposed study has received funding from a Norwegian Health Region. If computer based training results in positive changes to memory functions in MCI patients this may represent a new, cost-effective treatment. Secondly, evaluation of training induced structural changes to grey or white matter may improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind effective cognitive interventions in MCI patients.

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Keywords

Mild Cognitive Impairment; Working Memory Training; Neuropsychological function in MCI

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Working Memory function.

  The study seeks to assess changes in the patients working memory function after an intervention of working memory training.The construct of "Working Memory" is measured on several levels: by neuropsychological tests (cognitive level), assessment of daily living skills (ADL-level), and measures of changes in the brains white and gray matter in areas that are correlated with working memory function (brain level).

  Changes from baseline (3, 6 and 12 months after intervention).

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Episodic memory function.

  Changes from baseline (3, 6 and 12 months after intervention).

Study Arms (1)

Computerized Working Memory Training.

SHAM COMPARATOR

The Working Memory Training, includes both auditive and visual tasks, administrated on a computer, under guidance. 5 x 45 minutes per week, for 5 weeks. The placebo group will train at an fixed level (non-adaptive), but with otherwise identical computer programs.

Device: Computerized Working Memory Training.

Interventions

Computerized Working Memory Training. DEVICE

Auditive and visual Working Memory tasks, administrated on a computer under guidance. 5 x 45 minutes per week, for 5 weeks. The intervention group will train at an "adaptive" level that is not to difficult nor to easy, which is hypothesized as optimal for learning and training effect. The placebo group will train with a "sham" program that is fixed ("non-adaptive" in difficulty level), but otherwise identical.

Also known as: Cogmed (r) from Pearson Assessment Inc.

Computerized Working Memory Training.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Patients who meet the Peterson diagnostic criteria of MCI:
• memory complaints (preferably confirmed by an informant).
• memory impairment according to age and education.
• preserved general cognitive function.
• intact activities of daily living, absence of dementia.

You may not qualify if:

• head trauma with post-traumatic loss of conscience for 30 minutes during lifespan.
• loss of senses (blindness, deafness).
• photo-sensitive epilepsy.
• unsuitability for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-examination due to metal foreign bodies or severe claustrophobia.
• drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sorlandet Hospital HF: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sorlandet Hospital HF

Arendal, Aust-Agder, 4838, Norway

RECRUITING

Related Publications (2)

• Nordnes PR, Edwin TH, Flak MM, Lohaugen GCC, Skranes J, Chang L, Hol HR, Ulstein I, Hernes SS. The effect of working memory training on patient and informant reported executive function in mild cognitive impairment: an interventional study. BMC Neurol. 2025 Sep 30;25(1):404. doi: 10.1186/s12883-025-04381-4.

  PMID: 41029506 DERIVED

• Flak MM, Hernes SS, Chang L, Ernst T, Douet V, Skranes J, Lohaugen GC. The Memory Aid study: protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of computer-based working memory training in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Trials. 2014 May 3;15:156. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-156.

  PMID: 24886034 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cognition Disorders; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Svein Gunnar Gundersen, PhD

  Head of research department

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Gro C Løhaugen, PhD

CONTACT

0047-95844805; gro.c.lohaugen@ntnu.no

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 18, 2013
• First Posted: November 25, 2013
• Study Start: August 1, 2013
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2015
• Study Completion: December 1, 2016
• Last Updated: May 23, 2014

Record last verified: 2014-05

Locations

NO (1)