Breathing and attention training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Breathing, Relaxation, Attention Training, & Health in Older Adults

This study is testing if adding breathing exercises to a brain training program can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment think better and slow down dementia.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 114 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years to 89 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Rochester (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Rochester, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT04522791 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance cognitive training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment by incorporating resonance frequency breathing (RFB) alongside a previously established cognitive training method known as VSOP. The study will be a double-blinded randomized trial that evaluates whether the addition of RFB can improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia. Participants will undergo assessments to measure the effects of these interventions on their cognitive abilities and overall brain function. The trial seeks to identify how these combined approaches can enhance neuroplasticity and adaptive learning in older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking older adults aged 60-89 diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those currently enrolled in other cognitive interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive function and a slower progression of dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive training and breathing techniques, but this specific combination is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All participants will require a diagnosis of "mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease"using the most recent NIA and Alzheimer's Association workshop criteria:

   1. Presence of memory complaint,
   2. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test delayed recall (for memory) \< 6,
   3. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (for global cognition) ranged 18 and 25,
   4. Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire ≤ 30,
2. Intact score for San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC).
3. If a participant is on Alzheimer's disease medication (i.e., memantine or cholinesterase inhibitors), antidepressants, anxiolytics, or vascular risk or diseases related medications (e.g., beta- blocker), the dose should be stable for 3 months prior to recruitment.
4. Age 60-89,
5. English-speaking,
6. Adequate visual and hearing acuity for using mobile-based apps and testing by self-report, and
7. Community-dwelling.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current enrollment in another cognitive improvement study;
2. Uncontrollable symptoms of major depression;
3. Major cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure, pacemaker, prior myocardial infarction);
4. Neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis);
5. Having an active legal guardian (indicating impaired capacity for decision making);
6. MRI contraindication (e.g., pacemaker, claustrophobia).
7. Color blindedness
8. Alcohol dependency in the past 5 years that are the main contributor to MCI

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York

• Feng Lin — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Feng Lin, PhD

Conditions Mild Cognitive Impairment; Healthy Aging