Neurofeedback to Improve Working Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Sep 22, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new brain-training program called neurofeedback (NFB) to help improve memory in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a condition that can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, which affects memory and learning. Researchers believe that by using NFB to enhance brain activity in specific areas, they may be able to slow down the progression from MCI to Alzheimer's. This trial is important because it aims to gather information that could lead to better treatment options for individuals facing cognitive challenges.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 85 years old, have been diagnosed with MCI, and live independently. They should also be able to read and understand English and provide consent to join the study. However, people with certain conditions, such as frontotemporal dementia, recent strokes, or those taking specific medications that affect cognitive function, will not be eligible. Participants in the trial can expect to engage in computer-based exercises designed to help improve their memory while contributing to research that could lead to new treatments for MCI.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Meet criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• • 2. Living independently.
• • 3. Literate in English.
• • 4. Competent to participate in the informed consent process and provide voluntary informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Frontal temporal dementia
• • 2. Active alcohol or substance use disorder within the past year.
• • 3. Brain cancer
• • 4. Stroke within the last 2 years
• • 5. Anti-epileptic medication
• • 6. Prior head injury involving loss of consciousness
• • 7. Seizure disorder
• • 8. Use of medications likely to affect cognitive function (cf. donepezil, memantine). We will not exclude for other medications but will examine their effects and include medications as covariates as appropriate (e.g., presence v. absence; anticholinergic load).
• • 9. The potential benefits of the study do not outweigh the potential risks of the study, as determined by the PI.