Spatial memory training to improve hippocampus function and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment

Spatial Memory Training and Cognitive Function

This program will try a 3-month spatial memory training to see if it improves memory and hippocampal structure in adults aged 55 and older with mild cognitive impairment.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 55 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Verdun, Quebec)
• Trial ID: NCT07002996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants will undergo a 3-month spatial memory intervention program (SMIP) or receive no intervention, with neuropsychological testing and brain imaging before and after the program to measure changes in memory and hippocampal structure. The protocol focuses on training tasks designed to engage spatial memory and hippocampal-dependent navigation skills. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include standardized cognitive tests and MRI measures of hippocampal volume and structure. The study enrolls community-dwelling adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment who speak English or French and meet the listed medical and medication exclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55+ with a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment who speak English or French and do not meet the study's psychiatric, cardiac, medication, or sleep-related exclusion criteria.

Not a fit: People with severe depression, recent major cardiac events or stroke, active substance use disorder, current antipsychotic use, recent general anesthesia, or those taking disallowed sleep or opioid medications may not benefit or be eligible for participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve memory performance and preserve or increase hippocampal structure, potentially slowing cognitive decline in people with MCI.

How similar studies have performed: Prior memory-training studies in younger and older adults have shown increases in hippocampal gray matter and memory improvements, and some interventions have helped people with subjective cognitive decline and MCI, though MRI evidence in MCI remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 55 years and above.
2. Primary language is English or French.
3. Individuals having received a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Self-reported having either of the following:

   Current post-traumatic stress disorder and/or generalized anxiety disorder; Substance use disorder; Significant heart disease (i.e., stroke occurring during 5 years prior to study assessment or cardiac disease non-stabilized with medication); Severe Depression, or a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score greater than 12; Current insomnia disorder.
2. Current medications for sleep problems, or use of medications that affect sleep.
3. Use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication for less than 3 months prior to study entry.
4. Use of analgesics with codeine (or other opioids).
5. Use of antipsychotic medication (past or current).
6. Having undergone brain surgery or ECT.
7. Self-reported colour-blindness.
8. General anesthesia in the past year.
9. Current smoker.
10. Suspected or confirmed traumatic brain injury during the last 24 months.
11. Motion sickness or intolerant to virtual reality tasks.
12. Cholesterol or hypertension medication for less than 3 months or changes expected within the next 9 months.
13. History or presence of neurological or psychiatric disorders (other than MCI) that in the opinion of the investigator may compromise patient safety or study objectives.
14. Current severe medical conditions (e.g. untreated diabetes, cancer) that in the opinion of the investigator may compromise patient safety or study objectives.
15. For female participants, severe menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes (determined from the Greene climacteric scale - any participants scoring over 15 is excluded).
16. Use of computer games that are designed to help with memory or general cognition.
17. Presence of any medical or psychological condition that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may compromise the study objectives.
18. Presence of contra-indications for MRI scanning.

Where this trial is running

Verdun, Quebec

• Douglas Mental Health University Institute — Verdun, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Véronique Bohbot, Ph.D. — Douglas Mental Health University Institute
• Study coordinator: Daniel R Saumier, PhD

Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment, Memory, Spatial Memory, Hippocampus, Cognitive Training, Cognitive Decline, Aging