CompletedNot Applicable

Promoting Mental Acuity in Elderly Populations Through Incentive for Technology Use

United States312 participantsStarted 2010-08

Plain-language summary

In this between-subject randomized controlled trial the investigators will test the impact of three novel structured financial incentives: atomistic, altruistic and team-based. These incentive schemes will be used to motivate one month of daily use of software designed to improve cognitive function (including memory, reaction times, attention and executive function) among the elderly. The 400 participants will be members of retirement communities in Pennsylvania. Three outcomes will be monitored and analyzed: activities completed using the software (primary), performance on the activities, and changes in cognitive functioning. This study is designed to be a pilot study. The investigators will have 90% power to find a mean daily difference of 4 activities completed in the control group versus 7 activities completed in the incentive groups assuming a standard deviation of 3.5 and an alpha of 0.017 (the bonferroni corrected significance level to account for multiple comparisons). In addition during a three month "follow-up period" all participants will have continued access to the software, however, no incentives will be provided for use. This period will be used to assess the impact of the initial incentives on long run use after financial incentives have ceased.

Who can participate

Age range

55 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 55 and 85 * Resident in participating retirement community Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical conditions that would likely prevent the subject from completing the study * Severe depression * Inability to read or severe cognitive deficits that would preclude ability to read consent form or fill out surveys

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Daily activities completed

Timeframe: 4 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00805259

SponsorCarnegie Mellon University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cognitive Function trials