Implementation of a Brain Training Pilot Study For People With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Authors

  • Frank Knoefel Bruyère Research Institute; University of Ottawa; Carleton University; Bruyère Continuing Care; AGE-WELLNational Innovation Hub on Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3)
  • Caroline Gaudet Bruyère Research Institute
  • Rocio López Zunini Bruyère Research Institute; University of Ottawa
  • Michael Breau Bruyère Continuing Care
  • Lisa Sweet Bruyère Research Institute; Bruyère Continuing Care
  • Bruce Wallace Bruyère Research Institute; Carleton University; AGE-WELLNational Innovation Hub on Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3)
  • Rafik Goubran Bruyère Research Institute; Carleton University
  • Vanessa Taler Bruyère Research Institute; University of Ottawa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.21.304

Keywords:

mild cognitive impairment, brain training, neuropsychological assessment, pilot study

Abstract

Objective

A pilot study to determine the feasibility of recruiting patients with MCI to test for cognitive interventions.

Method

Thirty patients with amnestic MCI were to be divided into two intervention arms and one control group. Participants went to local sites and completed brain training for one hour three times per week for nine weeks. Outcome measures were: recruitment, computer abilities, compliance, task performance, neuropsychological tests, and electroencephalography.

Results

After six months, only 20 participants had been recruited. Seventeen were allocated to one of the two intervention groups. Compliance was good and computer skills were not an obstacle. Participants improved their abilities in the modules, but there were no statistically significant changes on neuropsychological tests or EEG.

Conclusions

Recruitment of MCI participants for extensive cognitive intervention is challenging, but achievable. This pilot study was not powered to detect clinical changes. Future trials should consider recruitment criteria, intervention duration, scheduling, and study location.

 

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Published

2018-09-14

How to Cite

1.
Knoefel F, Gaudet C, López Zunini R, Breau M, Sweet L, Wallace B, Goubran R, Taler V. Implementation of a Brain Training Pilot Study For People With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Can Geriatr J [Internet]. 2018 Sep. 14 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];21(3):264-8. Available from: https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/304

Issue

Section

Original Research