Understanding how brain and mind work together during memory training for mild cognitive impairment

Characterizing biopsychological mismatch during cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment as a means of improving transfer

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11116896

This work explores how mental effort and body responses during brain training can help improve memory and thinking skills for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11116896 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Cognitive training is a promising way to help slow down memory decline and prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, it's not always clear how well these training benefits transfer to everyday thinking skills. We are looking at how a 'biopsychological mismatch' – a balance between mental energy, task focus, and body responses like heart rate – might make brain training more effective. By understanding this balance, we hope to find better ways to help people with mild cognitive impairment improve their memory and thinking.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment who are interested in cognitive training approaches.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mild cognitive impairment or are not interested in cognitive training may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective cognitive training programs that better protect memory and thinking skills in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While cognitive training shows promise, this specific approach of quantifying 'biopsychological mismatch' to improve transfer is a novel and less explored area.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.