Cognitive training and practice effects in MCI

描述（由申请人提供）：本次提交的总体目的是检查MCI的认知功能是否可以通过训练练习得到改善。这些发现可以进一步加深我们对MCI机制的理解，为我们干预这种疾病的尝试提供信息，并影响未来临床试验的设计和方法。我们提出了一个随机的，安慰剂对照的临床试验，使用[230]老年人与MCI。在用认知电池进行预测试后，参与者将被随机分配到实验组或对照组。 组或活性对照组。实验组将完成40个1小时的在线计算机化练习，旨在提高处理速度和听觉记忆（Brain Plasticity，Inc.）。对照组的人将完成40个1小时的在线计算机活动，这些活动不是专门设计来提高认知能力的（例如，填字游戏）。后测试将在两组完成培训后进行。我们还将在12个月后检查培训计划的效果。通过这些目标的实现，我们期望能够提高我们对MCI的机制和治疗的理解，这将对临床护理和研究产生影响。例如，如果这些人确实受益于认知训练，那么这可能会减少与这种疾病相关的残疾。这个项目与国家老龄问题研究所的使命是一致的。本案无关最大限度地减少MCI的有害影响对于提供临床护理和推进该疾病的研究至关重要。例如，如果认知缺陷可以最小化，那么个体可以在更长的时间内保持功能独立。同样地，了解影响干预效果的因素将使我们能够在未来的MCI临床试验中针对个体。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall aim of this submission is to examine if cognitive functioning in MCI can be improved with training exercises. These findings could further our understanding about the mechanisms of MCI, inform our attempts to intervene in this disease, and influence the design and methodology of future clinical trials. We propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial using [230] older adults with MCI. Following pre-testing with a cognitive battery, participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or an active control group. Those in the experimental group will complete 40 1-hour sessions of online, computerized exercises designed to improve processing speed and auditory memory (Brain Plasticity, Inc.). Those in the control group will complete 40 1-hour sessions of online, computerized activities that are not specifically designed to improve cognition (e.g., crossword puzzles). Post-testing will follow completion of training in both groups. We will also examine effects of the training program after 12 months. By achieving these aims, we expect to advance our understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of MCI, which will have effects for clinical care and research. For example, if these individuals do benefit from cognitive training, then this may reduce the disability associated with this disease. This project is consistent with the mission of the National Institute on Aging. Relevance. Minimizing the deleterious effects of MCI is critical for providing clinical care and advancing research with this disease. For example, if cognitive deficits can be minimized, then individuals may retain functional independence for longer periods of time. Similarly, awareness of factors that moderate the effects of intervention will allow us to target individuals for future clinical trials in MCI.