Computerized brain-training for older adults with thinking or memory problems after viral infection
Official title: Computerized Cognitive Remediation of Postviral Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults
Run by UConn Health · NCT07171450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a six-week computerized brain-training program helps older adults who have lasting memory or thinking problems after COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 21, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2030 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | February 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07171450 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 60 or older with a confirmed prior COVID-19 infection, persistent cognitive symptoms for at least 12 weeks, clinically meaningful subjective complaints and (for a required subset) objective decline on standardized cognitive tests, and stable psychiatric medication status.
✕Probably not a fit
People younger than 60, those whose cognitive symptoms began less than 12 weeks after infection, non-English speakers, those with major neurological disorders excluded by the protocol, or those without objective cognitive decline may not benefit from or qualify for this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, two-arm pilot will assign 75 older adults with postviral neurocognitive dysfunction to six weeks of neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation or to an active, computer-based control condition. Outcomes include changes in cognitive performance, day-to-day functioning, and peripheral blood markers of inflammation measured at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up to check for sustained effects. The protocol includes objective cognitive testing (NIH Toolbox), PROMIS self-report measures, and iterative participant feedback to optimize the program's usability. Researchers will compare group differences to probe clinical benefit and potential inflammatory mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve thinking, memory, daily functioning, and reduce inflammation in older adults with postviral cognitive problems.
How similar studies have gone: Neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive training has produced modest cognitive gains in some older adult studies, but applying this approach specifically to postviral neurocognitive dysfunction is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥ 60 years old * prior history of COVID-19 that was confirmed with viral testing (e.g., positive laboratory test or positive at-home rapid test) * cognitive symptoms (e.g., memory or thinking concerns) following COVID- 19 infection that have lasted for at least 12 weeks and are still present * clinically meaningfully subjective cognitive concerns (i.e., T-score \< 40) on the PROMIS-Cognitive Function Scale * objective evidence of cognitive decline\*, as defined by performance on standardized measures of executive functioning, memory, or processing speed from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery that is at least 1 standard deviation below estimated premorbid cognitive functioning \[\*at least one third of the sample, or 25 out of 75 subjects, will be required to meet this inclusion criterion\] * fluent in English language * off psychiatric medication or on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * history of neurological disorder with potential to interfere with study participation or confound results (e.g., uncontrolled seizure disorder, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury or stroke with persistent neurological deficits) * history of dementia and/or dementia range performance on the Mini- Mental State Examination (i.e., score of less than or equal to 23) * prior diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder unrelated to the participant's history of COVID-19 * history of severe psychiatric illness that may interfere with study participation or confound results (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder) * history of significant neurodevelopmental condition that may interfere with study participation or confound results (e.g., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or specific learning disorder with impairment in reading) * alcohol or other substance use disorder within the past 2 years * significant sensory impairments (e.g., blindness) that would interfere with the ability to complete neuropsychological measures or engage in the tablet-based intervention * performance that is below expectation on a test of effort and validity
Where it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.