Brain games put to the test: can they really stave off dementia?
NCT ID NCT04171323
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing different combinations of computerized brain exercises (cognitive training) to see which works best to delay dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. About 1,300 participants aged 55–89 will complete 40 sessions of either cognitive training or a control activity. The goal is to find the most effective training to improve daily function and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- computerized cognitive training exercises
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could identify the most effective combination of brain exercises to delay dementia onset and improve daily function in older adults at risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a large but early-stage adaptive trial; the best combination may not outperform the control, and benefits may be modest or not apply to all types of cognitive decline.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 1,305 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2020
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 to 89 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 55 to 89 years of age * Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score of 18-27 inclusive * History of some change in cognitive function relative to established baseline and either 1) a CDR of 0.5; or 2) CDR of 0 and a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on a multidisciplinary evaluation that included standardized neuropsychological testing * If reports use of medications typically prescribed for dementia such as Namenda, Memantine, Namzaric, Donepezil, Aricept, Rivastigmine, Exelon, Razadyne, Galantamine, or Reminyl, dose has been stable for at least 30 days * Adequate auditory capacity to understand normal speech. No greater than moderate hearing loss evident by thresholds less than or equal to 50 dB at 1000 and 2000 Hz in at least one ear determined by an audioscope. * Adequate visual capacity to read from a computer screen at a normal viewing distance as measured by binocular visual acuity of 20/50 or better tested with a standard near visual acuity chart * Reports and shows adequate motor capacity to touch a computer screen or control a computer mouse. * Wiling to complete all study activities * Willing and capable of providing informed consent * Ability to understand study procedures and comply with them for the length of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Currently enrolled in another randomized clinical trial, treatment trial, or another research study that assesses cognition * Dementia diagnosis * Clinical Dementia Rating Scale of 1 or greater * History of large vessel stroke with significant residual motor or cognitive impairment * History of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with residual cognitive symptoms * History of brain tumor * Undergoing or plans to undergo surgery requiring anesthesia, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment in the six months following screening * Congestive heart failure diagnosis * Primary diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease * Multiple sclerosis or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis * Evidence of a non-neurodegenerative neurological disorder that would interfere with the ability to carry out study activities. * Evidence of any other unstable medical conditions that would interfere with the ability to carry out study activities or cause fluctuations in cognition (e.g., unstable diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder dependent on oxygen) * Geriatric Depression short scale score \>5/15. Participants with mood disorders that are treated and stable and have a GDS score \< 6/15 are not excluded. * Any other clinically significant or unstable medical condition (e.g., ongoing alcohol dependency or drug abuse, schizophrenia, psychosis) that in the assessor's opinion would interfere with the ability to carry out study activities. * Previous participation in 10 or more hours of a computerized cognitive intervention program in the past two years * Previous participation in cognitive intervention research at the study site in the past 2 years * Planning on going away or being otherwise unavailable for a period of more than three weeks in the six months following screening * Contraindications to MRI such as pacemaker, metal implants in body, or claustrophobia
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
5 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Active Mind Study
RECRUITINGTampa, Florida, 33617, United States
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Clemson University
RECRUITINGGreenville, South Carolina, 29607, United States
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Clemson University
RECRUITINGSeneca, South Carolina, 29672, United States
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University of California San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94158, United States
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University of Florida
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
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University of Minnesota
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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