Cognitive training to improve decision-making in mid-life individuals

Remediation of Elevated Delay Discounting in Mid-life Individuals: A Stage-II Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Kansas · NCT03501706

This study tests whether cognitive training can help mid-life individuals who faced early-life challenges make better health decisions by improving their ability to wait for rewards.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment680 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT03501706 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of cognitive improvement training on delay discounting in mid-life individuals who have experienced early-life disadvantages. It focuses on enhancing executive functioning skills to help participants make healthier decisions by reducing their preference for immediate rewards. The intervention includes various memory recall tasks designed to strengthen cognitive processes over a 5-7 week program. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to delay gratification and make better health-related choices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community members from Baltimore, Maryland, who are willing to engage in a cognitive training program.

Not a fit: Patients with severe substance use disorders, significant medical or psychiatric conditions, or severe depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved decision-making and healthier lifestyle choices for mid-life individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in improving executive function to reduce delay discounting, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Community members in neighborhoods of Baltimore, Maryland
* Participants willing to participate in the 5-7 week program

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with a severe substance use disorder according to the DSM-5 with any substance other than tobacco
* Participants with any significant medical or psychiatric condition which the training is not designed for (e.g., traumatic brain injury, dementia, significant learning disability, or schizophrenia)
* Participants with severe depression

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Delay Discountingintertemporal tradeoffsdelayed gratificationexecutive functioningdelay discountingworking memory
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.