Computerized brain-training for older adults with thinking or memory problems after viral infection
Computerized Cognitive Remediation of Postviral Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT07171450 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 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.