Study on the Effectiveness of the MTT24.5 Cognitive Training Program on Cognitive Skills, Brain Volume, and Activation

Neuronal plasticity presents a promising approach to addressing a pressing contemporary challenge: the intersection of increased life expectancy with the risks of cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence. A wealth of literature highlights the potential of various neuronal plasticity stimulation strategies in bolstering cognitive abilities. However, while much focus has been dedicated to using these techniques for neurological rehabilitation, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding their efficacy in maintaining and enhancing cognitive functions in the generally healthy population. In line with this, the cognitive training protocol 'Mental Training Tech 24.5' (MTT24.5) is grounded in the principles of neuronal plasticity and aims to improve cognitive development. It specifically focuses on enhancing memory, reasoning speed, and attention in adults through a conceptual model that posits explicit learning as a direct stimulus for neuronal plasticity.

II) AIMS:

Primary Objectives:

Evaluate the effects of MTT24.5 on cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, orientation, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial skills.

Assess the effects of MTT24.5 on brain structure and activation, including brain volumes in globally standardized areas and those associated with cognitive abilities, according to cognitive brain areas with taxonomic mapping.

Determine if there are response phenotypes based on individual baseline characteristics, such as age, gender, lifestyle factors, medical history, medications, family history of dementia, diet, and baseline cognitive reserve score.

Secondary Objective:

Analyze the tolerance and adherence to MTT24.5 and its association with outcomes related to cognitive variables, as well as structural and/or functional brain changes.

III) METHODS

Design:

This is a multisite, prospective, randomized open clinical study conducted between March and October 2023.

Regulatory Approvals:

The trial was approved by the review board and the local ethics committee. All participants provided written consent. This study followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) reporting guideline.

Evaluations:

• Cognitive Reserve Score (CRS): A validated cognitive reserve scale authorized from Roldan L. et al. The CRS records the frequency of cognitively stimulating activities carried out throughout life. It includes 24 items distributed across four aspects: activities of daily living, education/information, hobbies, and social life. The CRS will be obtained for each subject at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 12 weeks of participation.
• Medical and Lifestyle History Form: A self-administered medical and lifestyle history form called STEPS 5, adapted from www.who.int/chp/steps, and previously used in the Latin American OPTIMO study. This form will be administered to each subject at baseline (pre-intervention).
• The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III): A brief cognitive test that evaluates five cognitive abilities: attention, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial skills. The ACE-III score will be obtained for each subject at baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention.
• Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BMRI): Brain volume and activation information will be obtained from this study, conducted on a subset of subjects at baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention.

Description of the Intervention:

MTT24.5 is a structured program consisting of 40 new pieces of knowledge and 100 learning techniques.developed as a binomial DATA/TECH program, provides the brain with new knowledge (DATA) classified into formal, natural, social, and cultural areas. The TECH consists of 100 high-impact cognitive stimulation modalities designed to enhance memory, attention, verbal fluency, and visuospatial skills. Techniques include methods such as learning to read the information in Braille, writing it with the non-dominant hand, or reinforcing the concept across various domains simultaneously. Each piece of new information and technique is codified and identified with a number throughout the protocol. This integration is intended to promotes changes in brain functionality, improves synaptic efficiency, and achieves permanent plastic changes. The program spans approximately 24.5 hours over 12 weeks, comprising weekly in-person training sessions of 1.5 hours each, supplemented by an additional average of 4 hours of weekly online activities.

The data or new knowledges were selected through an extensive search of relevant knowledge from the basic sciences (natural, cultural, formal, and social sciences). To be included, the data should be expressible in a concise concept stated in a maximum of 15 words, around which an explanation is built using visual animation and emotional aspects or experiential learning during a 10-minute session. The second part of the session aims to promote the integration of the new knowledge into an individual's cognitive reserve, employing cognitive TECHS, which consist of exercises designed for this purpose. TECHS selection was based on a review of peer-reviewed articles demonstrating the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving specific cognitive abilities investigated in the study. We identified 25 cognitive training studies with appropriate tools published between 2000 and 2022. The possible combinations of these tools yielded 75 possibilities regarding the association between 2 to 5 techniques for learning the same data, indicating either consecutive or simultaneous actions.

24.5 represents the total hours assigned to the program duration, based on similar training distributions reported in the ACTIVE TRIAL (The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly).

Detailed descriptions of the statistical analysis plan can be found in the attached document, SA

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 21 years and above.
• Ability to understand instructions for the training tasks.
• Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination score >70.

Exclusion criteria

• Planned absences that would hinder participation in the program.
• Hearing, visual, or motor deficits that would impede participation in the program.
• History of severe degenerative neurological diseases, as these conditions may significantly impact brain plasticity and cognitive abilities.
• History of severe psychiatric disorders, as they may influence brain reorganization and complicate the interpretation of results.
• Unstable treatment or planned changes in medication that may affect brain function and alter results.
• History of current or recent excessive substance use (within the past 6 months), including alcohol or drugs, as these substances may influence brain function and neuroplasticity.