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CCT for Older Diabetic Adults

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Diabetes
Older Diabetic Persons Without Dementia
Interventions
Behavioral: Individualized and adaptive computerized cognitive training
Behavioral: Active control
Registration Number
NCT02709629
Lead Sponsor
Sheba Medical Center
Brief Summary

The current study examines the efficiency of a home-based computerized cognitive training (CT) intervention targeting older adults with diabetes.The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of CCT on cognitive and disease management in non-demented older diabetes adults. Investigators will also evaluate the effect of the intervention on a range of secondary outcomes, including mood, caregiver burden, self-efficacy, and for a small sub-sample, on brain activity as reflected in changes in task-related blood-flow on fMRI.

Detailed Description

Evidence suggests a link between diabetes-related processes and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Optimal disease self-management may be key in the prevention of cognitive decline among older diabetic patients, but this may be compromised due to sub-clinical cognitive impairment.

In the current study, 120 community-dwelling, non-demented participants aged 65 and over, with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes will be randomly assigned either to an 8-week, home-based individually-tailored CCT program with adaptive difficulty level, and regular performance feedback, or to an 8-week, home-based active control (AC) condition, involving training on a generic CCT program with fixed difficulty level and without performance feedback. Both intervention groups also include a range of theory-informed behavior change techniques (BCTs), including self-efficacy management, self-monitoring and goal-setting in order to enhance treatment fidelity, and to maximize treatment compliance and adherence. In both groups, participants train approx. 30 min. per day, 3 times per-week for 8-weeks. Participants undergo a comprehensive evaluation of all outcomes at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up, with 1-week booster training completed 3 months from completion of the intervention.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
85
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 65 and over
  • diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
  • Health cover provided by Maccabi Health Services (MHS)
  • Access to a home computer and internet connection
  • Availability of a close relative/informant with regular and frequent contact with the participant (at least 10 hours per week), willing to respond to questionnaires at all time points.
  • Fluency in Hebrew or English
  • Living in the Tel-Aviv metropolitan area and surrounds
Exclusion Criteria
  • An existing diagnosis of dementia
  • Prescription of dementia-related medication.
  • Participation in a previous cognitive intervention study in the preceding year.
  • Significant hearing/vision impairment likely to interfere with assessment and/or training
  • Significant psychiatric/neurological or medical issues that may affect cognitive function.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Individualized and adaptive computerised cognitive trainingIndividualized and adaptive computerized cognitive trainingTraining in this group is individualized using a computer algorithm which assigns tasks (from a pool of 33 training tasks) on the basis of cognitive strengths and weaknesses as determined by the training program. In addition, task difficulty is adaptive and responsive to performance level. Participants are able to see feedback on their progress each training session in the form of a session-score. A range of behavior change techniques are used throughout the training period (delivered via scheduled monitoring phone calls, and email contact with participants) to support the compliance and adherence of participants. These include a range of motivation and confidence building strategies, based on a theoretical framework. Participants are required to train for approx. 30 min., 3 times per week, for 8 weeks.
Active controlActive controlTraining in this group is generic, and tasks (from the same pool of 33 training tasks) are randomly selected by the training program. In addition, task difficulty is fixed, such that irrespective of performance, each time a participant is presented with a given task, the level of difficulty returns to the basic level. Participants in this arm do not receive feedback on their progress at the end of each training session. The same protocol of behavior change techniques is used in this intervention arm. Participants are also required to train for approx. 30 min., 3 times per week, for 8 weeks.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline in global cognition as reflected in a composite cognitive score at 9 weeks9 weeks
Change from baseline in diabetes self management as reflected in the diabetes self-management questionnaire9 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in domain-specific cognitive abilities (memory, non-memory) measured by composite scores from the neuropsychological test battery, at 9 weeks9 weeks(immediately post-intervention)
Change in domain-specific cognitive abilities (memory, non-memory) measured by composite scores from the neuropsychological test battery, at 35 weeks35 weeks (6 months follow up)
Change in meta-memory (subjective ratings of memory performance), as reflect on the Meta-Memory Questionnaire, at 35 weeks35 weeks (6 months follow up)
Change in blood sugar levels on a blood glucose test at 35 weeks35 weeks
Change from baseline in global cognition as reflected in a composite cognitive score at 35 weeks35 weeks
Change in meta-memory (subjective ratings of memory performance) as reflect on the Meta-Memory Questionnaire at 9 weeks9 weeks
Change in self-reported mood-related symptoms on the geriatric depression scale at 9 weeks9 weeks
Change in informant-reported care-giving burden on the Zarit Burden Interview at 35 weeks35 weeks (6 months follow up)
Change from baseline in diabetes self-management as reflected in scores on the diabetes self-management questionnaire at 35 weeks35 weeks
Change in self-reported mood-related symptoms on the geriatric depression scale at 35 weeks35 weeks (6 months follow up)
Change in informant-reported care-giving burden on the Zarit Burden Interview at 9 weeks9 weeks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center

🇮🇱

Ramat-Gan, Australian National University, Israel

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