Improving Neurological Health in Aging Via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a targeted speed and alertness training program (INHANCE) to improve cognition in healthy older adults, as evidenced by standard measures of cognition, and positive improvements in the neuromodulatory cholinergic system as measured via positron-emission tomography (PET).

The investigators will employ a double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial design comprised of a treatment group using INHANCE, a computerized program that trains speed of processing and attention, compared to an active control group using computer games in 92 healthy older adults.

Approximately 108 participants will be consented to ensure the successful completion of 92 participants (post 20% attrition). Participants will then complete the Screening (V0) assessments to determine eligibility. Following inclusion, participants will complete the Baseline (V1) assessments, PET imaging and structural MRI scan; participants will then be randomized into either the INHANCE training or Computer Games, and will engage in approximately 35 hours of program use for the 10-week intervention period. Approximately halfway through the intervention period (~5 weeks), participants will complete Interim (V2) assessments to be compared to the Post-Intervention assessments. Following the 10-week intervention, participants will complete a Post-Intervention (V3) assessment and PET imaging to evaluate changes in cognitive function. Participants will then stop using their assigned program for 3 months and return for a Follow-up (V4) end-of-study assessment to evaluate the endurance of changes in cognitive function in the absence of further program use.

Inclusion criteria

• Potential participant must be 65+ years old at the time of study screening.
• Potential participant should achieve a score of ≥ 23 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• Potential participant must be likely able to compete all primary outcome measures in the judgment of the consenting study staff person.
• Potential participant must demonstrate adequate decisional capacity, in the judgment of the consenting study staff member, to make a choice about participating in this research study.
• Potential participant must have the visual, auditory, and motors capacity to use the computerized intervention in the judgment of the consenting study staff person.
• Potential participant must already have, be willing to obtain, or be willing to travel to locations with WiFi connectivity to complete intervention activities.
• Potential participant must be able to communicate in either English or French.

Exclusion criteria

• Potential participant should not have an existing diagnosis of major or minor neurocognitive disorder at screening.
• Potential participants with active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent or suicide-related behaviors within 2 months of consent as measured by the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• Potential participant should not have a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score of >10.
• Potential participant should not have been treated within 5 years of the date of consent with a computer-based cognitive training program manufactured by Posit Science.
• Potential participant should not be participating in a concurrent clinical trial (involving an investigational pharmaceutical, behavioral treatment, medical device or other) that, in the judgment of the Site Principal Investigator, could affect the outcome of this study.
• Potential participant may not be pregnant and should not have claustrophobia or implantation with any medical devices above the waist that may concentrate radio frequency fields, or have other medical issues that may frustrate participation in MRI imaging procedures.
• Potential participant should not have medical illnesses deemed to interfere with participation in study activities and/or unstable and/or untreated conditions that may affect cognition, including substance abuse/dependence disorders, drugs that interfere with cholinergic function, ongoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment.
• Potential participant who shows signs of intoxication due to current substance abuse (including alcohol and/or illegal drugs) will be excluded.