Pilot Study Using a Video Game to Train Cognitive Control Processes in Healthy Older Adults
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Neurologic Manifestations
- Sponsor
- Columbia University
- Enrollment
- 60
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Cognitive-experimental tasks
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 10 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Control processes are classes of brain activity that initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.
Detailed Description
The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three experimental groups: 1) Video game play with training strategy; 2) Video game play without training strategy (Active Control); 3) Minimal contact (Passive Control). Subjects in Groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand video game, Space Fortress, for 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Subjects in Group 3 will receive all assessments but will not play the computer game.
Investigators
Yaakov Stern
Professor of Clinical, Department of Neurology Administration
Columbia University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age 60-75
- •Willingness to adhere to training protocol
- •Adequate English proficiency
Exclusion Criteria
- •Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance
- •Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance
- •Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
- •Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Cognitive-experimental tasks
Time Frame: Week 1, 6, 12, 24
Neuropsychological testing
Time Frame: Week 1, 12, 24