Training Cognitive Control Processes in Older Adults

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations
• Interventions: Behavioral: Video game based training

• Registration Number: NCT00586638
• Lead Sponsor: Columbia University

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-12
• Study First Submitted: 2007-12-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-12-21
• Study First Posted: 2008-01-04
• Primary Completion: 2010-02
• Study Completion: 2010-02
• Status Verified: 2015-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-08-03
• Last Update Posted: 2015-08-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
2	Video game based training	Video game play without training strategy
1	Video game based training	Video Game play with training strategy

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognitive-experimental tasks	Week 1, 6, 12, 24
Neuropsychological testing	Week 1, 12, 24

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Columbia University Medical Center; 🇺🇸 New York, New York, United States