Cognitive Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into the efficacy of cognitive training on cognition in adults with mild cognitive impairment
IRAS ID
131615
Contact name
Barbara J Sahakian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge Univeristy Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Research summary
A growing body of evidence suggests cognitive training to have significant benefits for individuals in the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) (Barnes et al., 2009; Belleville, 2008; Cipriani, Bianchetti, & Trabucchi, 2006; Kinsella et al., 2009). However, cognitive training typically requires supervised practice on standard psychological paradigms; dropout rates and the costs of constant supervision can be high. We have developed a cognitive training program that is fun and easy to install on portable devices such as the iPad. This current study aims to test whether training on a newly designed ’iPad App’ improves cognition in individuals with MCI. Whether such training impacts on MCI symptomatology, health, mood and wellbeing will also be investigated. Participants will be referred by an older age clinic and will have a clinical diagnosis of MCI. 63 participants will be recruited in total. Participants will be allocated to the Cognitive Training, Active Control or Passive Control Group. After a Screening Session participants will complete a Baseline Testing Session (max. duration 3 hours) in which their cognitive function, MCI symptoms, health status, mood and wellbeing will be assessed. The Cognitive training Group will then complete up to 12 hours of training on our iPad App. The Active Control Group will complete up to 12 hours of Interactive iPad Use and the Passive Control Group will go about their daily lives as usual. All participants will be invited back to complete an Outcome Testing Session which will be identical to the Baseline Session. Travel expenses and time will be reimbursed. The results of this study will indicate whether portable computer-game-based cognitive test training on this ’iPad App’ improves cognition in individuals with MCI.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0290
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion