Brain-Training Treatment for Long COVID in Older Adults (NCT05705193) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Brain-Training Treatment for Long COVID in Older Adults
United States40 participantsStarted 2023-04-07
Plain-language summary
This research is being done to collect preliminary data on the potential of computerized "brain-training" exercises for treating Long COVID symptoms in older adults. The investigators hypothesize that computerized brain-training will be an acceptable and feasible intervention for treating Long COVID symptoms in older adults. The investigators also expect to provide initial evidence that computerized brain-training has potential for improving thinking, mood, and other aspects of everyday functioning in older adults with Long COVID.
Who can participate
Age range
60 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:
* prior history of COVID-19 based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines including a positive laboratory test (e.g., nucleic acid amplification test) or a positive rapid test
* age ≥ 60 years old
* current self-reported cognitive symptoms persisting after the acute phase of the illness (i.e., \>4 weeks after COVID-19 symptom onset) that cannot be explained by alternative diagnoses
* evidence of subjective cognitive impairment with a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) Perceived Cognitive Impairment (PCI) Subscale Score of ≤ 40 and/or endorsing any item on the FACT-Cog PCI Subscale as occurring nearly every day or several times a day
* Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) ≥ 27
* fluent in English
* off psychiatric medications or on a stable dose for at least 1 month prior to commencing the study with no intention to change dose prior to completion of the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* history of neurological disorder or other medical condition with potential to impair cognitive functioning or interfere with study participation (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, dementia, head trauma followed by persistent neurological deficits or known structural brain abnormalities)
* prior diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder unrelated to the participant's history of COVID-19
* history of significant psychiatric illness per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diso…
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.
1This trial is listed as 'active not recruiting,' which means they're no longer accepting new participants — does that affect whether I can join, and are there similar brain-training studies for Long COVID that are still enrolling?
2Since this study is in Phase NA and seems focused on measuring whether the brain-training program is usable and acceptable rather than proving it works, what does that mean for how much we'd actually know about whether it helps my cognitive symptoms?
3The trial is measuring things like how easy the technology is to use and whether people stick with the exercises — given my own comfort level with digital tools, is this kind of program something my doctor thinks would realistically fit into my daily routine?
4Because this appears to be an early feasibility study rather than a full treatment trial, should I consider whether standard cognitive rehabilitation or other existing Long COVID care options might be a better starting point for me right now?
5The study focuses on older adults with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome — given my specific age and the nature of my Long COVID symptoms, does my doctor think my cognitive concerns match what this trial was designed to address?
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
1
Treatment Acceptability/Adherence Scale (TAAS)
Timeframe: The investigators will evaluate TAAS Total Score at the outset of treatment (expected/anticipated acceptability and adherence) and at post-treatment (6 weeks)
2
Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ)
Timeframe: The investigators will evaluate CEQ Total Score at the outset of treatment (to assess initial perceptions of treatment credibility) and at post-treatment (6 weeks)
3
System Usability Scale (SUS)
Timeframe: The investigators will evaluate SUS Total Score at the outset of treatment (to assess initial perceptions of treatment usability) and at post-treatment (6 weeks)
4
Feasibility (proportion of subjects who agree to participate in the offered treatment, complete assigned exercises, and complete the entire treatment regimen)
Timeframe: Our feasibility criteria will be assessed by calculating percentages at the conclusion of the study