CompletedNot Applicable

Understanding Individual Differences in Working Memory Training and Transfer in Older Adults

United States313 participantsStarted 2022-03-17

Plain-language summary

The present study investigates how individual differences in cognitive processing contribute to the efficacy of working memory training programs in an older adult population. In a randomized crossover design, different types of working memory training interventions will be evaluated within the same participants. Adding game-like elements to working memory training programs can increase motivation and engagement, which can increase learning. However this process, termed gamification, adds sensory complexity that can lead to increased mental load and/or distraction in older adults. Investigators hypothesize that gamification of training tasks will be beneficial to some and counterproductive to other participants. The investigators will test two models; the first assumes that participants with difficulty inhibiting distracting information will show better learning and transfer when assigned to non-gamified training, whereas those with more distractor tolerance will show better learning and transfer when assigned to gamified training. The second model states that the outcomes of the intervention will be better predicted by performance on measures of general cognitive ability. In a separate study, the investigators will compare working memory training that contains rich, multisensory information with a training program that contains only visual information. Here they will also test two models; the first assumes that participants with difficulty binding two stimulus streams will show better learning and transfer when assigned to visual-only working memory training, whereas participants who do not have this difficulty will show better learning and transfer when assigned to multisensory working memory training. The second model states that the outcomes of the intervention will be better predicted by performance on measures of general cognitive ability.

Who can participate

Age range

50 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: * 50-85 years of age * Able to understand and speak English and follow study procedures * Does not have a psychological or neurological condition that would prevent being able to give consent to participate * Not currently involved in any other cognitive or memory training studies Exclusion Criteria: * Formal diagnosis of dementia or other neurological disease, including Mild cognitive impairment. * A final total score below 17 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment - Blind (telephone) version. * Score of 10 or more on the Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD7; Spitzer et al., 2006, Archives of Internal Medicine), indicating presence of moderate or severe anxiety * Score of 9 or more on Geriatric depression scale (GDS15; Yesavage et al., 1982) indicating presence of moderate or severe depression * Abnormal visual acuity prohibitive of tablet-based training. * Physical handicap (motor or perceptual) that would impede training procedures. * Medical illness requiring treatment and/or significant absences during the study timeline. * Current evidence or 2-yr history of seizures, focal brain lesion, or head injury with loss of consciousness. * Current alcohol consumption exceeds 14 drinks per week. * Self-reported illicit drug use.

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

Change in N-level

Timeframe: Day 24, Day 46, Day 78

Change in Corsi span

Timeframe: Day 25, Day 47, Day 79

Change in Inhibitory Control Composite Score

Timeframe: Day 24, Day 46, Day 78

Change in Everyday Memory Questionnaire Revised

Timeframe: Day 24, Day 46, Day 77

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05396586

SponsorNortheastern University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-05

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