Memory Training Versus Yogic Meditation Training in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Interventions: Behavioral: Kundalini yoga and meditation; Behavioral: Memory Training

• Registration Number: NCT01983930
• Lead Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Brief Summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to test whether 6 months of supervised weekly Kundalini yoga classes and a brief daily meditation homework assignment can improve memory and thinking in older adults with mild memory complaints when compared to weekly classes of memory training with daily homework assignments.

Detailed Description

The purpose of this pilot study intervention is to investigate brain mechanisms of response to memory enhancement training (MET) compared to Kundalini yoga and "Kirtan Kriya" meditation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that will be acquired from each subject at baseline and at 12 weeks (post-randomization).

Overall, the investigators anticipate recruiting 66 adults with memory complaints and diagnosed with MCI for adults 55 years old and older. Subjects will either receive: (1) MET class for 60 minutes per week; or (2) Kundalini yoga and "Kirtan Kriya" meditation class for 60 minutes per week. All assessments will be completed immediately after the interventions for a total of 10 visits in 12 weeks and a follow-up visit at 6 months (24 weeks)to monitor the overall benefit of the intervention.

Basic Information
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Recruitment & Eligibility
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Study & Design
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Trial Locations

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-09
• Study First Submitted: 2013-10-30
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-11-07
• Study First Posted: 2013-11-14
• Primary Completion: 2016-05
• Study Completion: 2016-05
• Results First Submitted: 2017-04-10
• Status Verified: 2017-12
• Results First Submitted QC: 2017-12-14
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-12-14
• Results First Posted: 2018-10-23
• Last Update Posted: 2018-10-23

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 81

Inclusion Criteria

• Mild cognitive impairment amnestic type
• Clinical Dementia Rating scale score of 0.5
• SufficientEnglish proficiency and 8th grade or higher reading level as determined by the word reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-IV
• Capacity to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• Any current or past psychiatric disorders, or recent unstable medical or neurological disorders
• Any disabilities preventing their participation in the memory enhancement training (MET) (e.g. severe visual or hearing impairment)
• Insufficient English proficiency
• Diagnosis of dementia
• Mini Mental Health Examination score of 24 and below
• Psychoactive medications
• Participation in a psychotherapy that involves cognitive training
• Do not meet criteria for Mild cognitive impairment subtype
• Prior or current training in yoga.

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Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Kundalini yoga and meditation	Kundalini yoga and meditation	Participants will engage in weekly yoga classes and daily 20 minute meditation
Memory Training	Memory Training	Group memory training will be administered for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognitive Measures - Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) Total Recall Score	At baseline and at 6 months	Primary outcome measures were administered by a cognitive battery of neuropsychological and included memory and executive functioning. Verbal memory was measured with the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) total recall scores. The HVLT form contains 12 nouns, four words each from one of three semantic categories (e.g., precious gems, articles of clothing, vegetables, etc.), to be learned over the course of three learning trials. When scoring the HVLT, the three learning trials are combined to calculate a total recall score. Total scores range from 0-36 with higher scores indicating better outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)	Baseline and Week 24	Secondary outcomes measures included mood assessments with the GDS, a self-assessment scale often used in geriatric depression trials. The GDS is a 30-item screening tool used to identify depression in older adults. In scoring the Geriatric Depression Scale, each item is scored 0 or 1. The total score on the scale ranges from 0 to 30 with higher scores indicating worse outcome.
Change in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Connectivity	12 weeks	FMRI scans will be obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks follow up. Default mode network findings were analyzed and significant effects were identified for yoga and memory enhancement training groups.
Clinical Global Impression Scale	Baseline, weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24	The CGI measures severity of illness and global improvement. The CGI is rated on a 7-point scale, with the severity of illness scale using a range of responses from 1 (normal) through to 7 (amongst the most severely ill patients). CGI global improvement scores range from 1 (very much improved) through to 7 (very much worse).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UCLA Semel Institute; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States