Helping older adults with mild cognitive impairment use memory aids to stay independent
Promoting Independence With Compensatory Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Pilot Clinical Trial for Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease
This study is testing a new program to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment use memory aids so they can stay independent in their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT04820335 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates a new behavioral treatment called Structured External Memory Aid Treatment (SEMAT) for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to improve participants' functional performance by teaching them strategies and tools to compensate for cognitive weaknesses. Approximately 65 older adults will be recruited and randomly assigned to either immediate or delayed treatment groups, with assessments conducted at baseline, week 8, and week 16. The trial will be conducted via telehealth, allowing participants to engage in group sessions and complete performance-based measures of daily tasks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 60-90 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment from probable Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with major psychiatric disorders, untreated major depression, or significant sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help patients with mild cognitive impairment maintain their independence for a longer period.
How similar studies have performed: While similar non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise, the specific approach of SEMAT is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * 60-90 years of age * English Speaking * Functional Vision and Hearing to Complete Phone Screen * not taking or stable ( \>2 months) on nootropic meds * amnestic mild cognitive impairment from probable Alzheimer's disease Exclusion Criteria * History of major psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia) * Untreated major depression * History of medical diseases that are related to cognitive impairment * current participation in another clinical trial related to memory * major auditory, visual, or motor impairment that would affect their ability to participate in the study * substance use disorder in the past 5 years
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware — Newark, Delaware, United States (Recruiting)
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.