RCT of Two Speed of Processing Modes to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

In this study, our specific aims are to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with one-year follow-up that can be fully completed within the NIH Challenge Grant two-year period. The goal of the RCT is to improve cognitive performance among older adults to enhance their quality of life now and into the future. We will randomize 600 participants to four treatment arms separately within two age strata (50-64, and 65 and older).

The four groups include: G1, basic on-site SOPT; G2, on-site basic SOPT plus subsequent booster-training group; G3, basic at-home SOPT; or G4, basic attention-control group. Basic training involves 10 hours of either the SOPT or attention-control training during the first 6 weeks of participation. Booster-training involves 4 additional hours of SOPT training at 11 months of participation.

Our primary outcome measure is speed of processing, and we will use several reliable and valid instruments to provide a multidimensional assessment, including the Useful Field of View Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Trail Making Test, the Controlled Oral Word Association Test, the Digit Vigilance Test, and the Stroop Color and Word Test.

There are seven key hypotheses (Hn). H1 involves a replication of ACTIVE (i.e., on-site SOPT delivery, with or without booster-training) in which groups G1 and G2 are combined vs. the attention control group and hypothesizes statistically significant evidence to support the benefit of being assigned to on-site training vs. the attention control group.

H2 and H3 are designed to separate the basic training effect (H2) from the basic plus booster-training effect (H3) among the on-site delivery groups (G1 and G2) vs. the attention control group (G4), and hypothesizes benefits of SOPT training vs. attention control regardless of booster-training.