Brain-training treatment for Long COVID in older adults
Computerized Cognitive Remediation of Long COVID Symptoms in Older Adults
This study is testing whether brain-training exercises on a computer can help older adults with Long COVID feel better and improve their thinking and mood.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05705193 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to explore the effectiveness of computerized brain-training exercises in alleviating Long COVID symptoms among older adults. The study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention, while also evaluating its potential to improve cognitive function, mood, and daily functioning. Participants will engage in gamified tasks designed to enhance cognitive abilities, with the goal of providing preliminary evidence for this innovative treatment approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above who have experienced cognitive symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive symptoms explained by alternative diagnoses or those currently on psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for older adults suffering from Long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using computerized brain-training for cognitive improvement is promising, this specific application for Long COVID in older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * prior history of COVID-19 based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines including a positive laboratory test (e.g., nucleic acid amplification test) or a positive rapid test * age ≥ 60 years old * current self-reported cognitive symptoms persisting after the acute phase of the illness (i.e., \>4 weeks after COVID-19 symptom onset) that cannot be explained by alternative diagnoses * evidence of subjective cognitive impairment with a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) Perceived Cognitive Impairment (PCI) Subscale Score of ≤ 40 and/or endorsing any item on the FACT-Cog PCI Subscale as occurring nearly every day or several times a day * Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) ≥ 27 * fluent in English * off psychiatric medications or on a stable dose for at least 1 month prior to commencing the study with no intention to change dose prior to completion of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * history of neurological disorder or other medical condition with potential to impair cognitive functioning or interfere with study participation (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, dementia, head trauma followed by persistent neurological deficits or known structural brain abnormalities) * prior diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder unrelated to the participant's history of COVID-19 * history of significant psychiatric illness per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), criteria that may interfere with study participation or confound results (e.g., schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, bipolar and related disorders, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, personality disorder) * history of significant neurodevelopmental condition that may interfere with study participation or confound results (e.g., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder) * alcohol or other substance use disorder within the past 2 years * significant sensory or motor impairments (e.g., blindness) that may interfere with the ability to complete neuropsychological measures or engage in the intervention
Where this trial is running
Farmington, Connecticut
- UConn Health — Farmington, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cutter Lindbergh, Ph.D. — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Holly Eddy, Ph.D., LMFT-S
- Email: eddy@uchc.edu
- Phone: 860-679-3751
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.