NCT04566900

Neurofeedback to Improve Working Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Enhancing Gamma Band Response in Mild Cognitive Impairment to Improve Working Memory

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 112 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of California, San Diego · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been identified as an early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder expected to affect 13.9 million Americans by 2060. AD causes a progressive cognitive decline, including problems related to learning and memory, that adversely affects life quality. Treatment intervention at the MCI stage of the disease could potentially slow down the rate at which people may convert from MCI to AD. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal activity in frontal regions of the brain is associated with cognitive deficits observed in AD. Furthermore, previous research has shown that neurofeedback (NFB) training targeting these regions can improve memory, making it a potential treatment for AD. NFB is a technique where an individual learns to change his/her brain function in a particular direction, once that function has been made accessible through a visual or auditory metaphor. We are proposing a novel, computer-based brain-training program to enhance frontal gamma oscillatory activity in individuals with MCI. Results from this study will build the scientific foundation necessary for larger clinical trials dedicated to improving treatment options and outcomes for patients with MCI.

Detailed description

This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial to test the efficacy of gamma-neurofeedback (G-NFB) compared to a placebo (P-NFB) in individuals with MCI. 112 consented participants will be randomized to receive G-NFB (n=56) or placebo-NFB (n=56) during 30-45 minute sessions twice per week for 12 weeks (24 total sessions). Memory and other cognitive domains will be measured using paper and pencil and computerized tests every 4 weeks during the study and at 4 weeks post completion of study.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Neurofeedback	Neurofeedback is a technique where brain functions are made accessible to the subject in the form of a metaphor. For instance, frontal brain activity may be shown as an airplane flying. Once the activity is made accessible, the subject can modulate it in a pre-specified direction. The parameters used to achieve successful feedback are made difficult over time and hence the brain is taught or conditioned to improve performance.
OTHER	Placebo	Subjects in this arm will undergo all of the same testing as active treatment. Music and video progression will not depend on brain activity. Instead feedback will be random.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-04-30
• Completion: 2026-07-31
• First posted: 2020-09-28
• Last updated: 2026-01-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States