Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Executive Control is a relevant cognitive target since it declines with aging and is critical for multi-tasking in daily life. The proposed research investigates whether playing a web-based cognitive complex game (the Breakfast Game) impacts cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. To be enrolled in the study, participants will be asked to undergo a cognitive sassessment, health questionnires, and a blood exam. The intervention consist in one educational session on healthy aging, and 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions 2-3 times a week over one month. Participants will be asked to repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention, and after three months.
Age 60-75
Adequate English proficiency
Attend 2 in-person assessments
Attend a blood test
Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
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.
Parallel
Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)
BehavioralParticipants will learn to play a complex online game using specific guidance or strategy.
Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)
BehavioralParticipants will learn to play a complex online game without specific guidance or strategy.
Changes in the Breakfast Game scores
Change in the total game performance based on specific scores (number of tables and cooking scores). Higher scores represent better game outcomes.
Transfer to complex executive/attention control measure (Proximal outcome).
Alphanumeric Task score.
Transfer to executive functions composite measure (Proximal outcome)
Average z-score computed with tests involving working memory, divided attention, and inhibitory control (Letter-Number, UFOV and Stroop)
Transfer to Everyday Cognition Scale (ECOG) (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures cognitive difficulties in everyday life. A higher score indicates higher levels of cognitive difficulties or change.
Transfer to Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures attention awareness. A higher score indicates higher levels of attention awareness.
Transfer to Self Efficacy for Cognitive Everyday Tasks (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures self-efficacy. A higher score indicates higher levels of self-efficacy.
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Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
