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

NCT ID: NCT06549517

Last Updated: 2024-08-14

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

75 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-03-02

Study Completion Date

2023-10-30

Brief Summary

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The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive training program called Mental Training Tech 24.5 (MTT24.5). The program aims to enhance brain function and neuronal plasticity in adults who do not have any clinical cognitive impairment. This study will help determine if MTT24.5 improves cognitive abilities and affects brain volume and activation.

The Main Questions it aims to answer are:

Does MTT24.5 improve overall cognitive performance and specific areas like memory, attention, and language skills? What effects does MTT24.5 have on brain volume and activation? How well do participants follow the program, and what are their response patterns?

Study Design

* Researchers will compare the results of participation in the MTT24.5 training versus a control group with no intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the MTT24.5 program or the control group.
* The study involves adults aged 30 and older from the general population who do not have clinical cognitive impairment.
* The intervention includes attending 12 weekly in-person sessions, each lasting about 2 hours, for a total of 24.5 hours.
* The study will assess cognitive performance, brain volume, and activation, as well as monitor adherence to the program and response patterns.

Participants will:

* Engage in the MTT24.5 program or the control condition as assigned.
* Complete cognitive assessments to measure performance in various domains.
* Undergo brain imaging to evaluate changes in brain volume and activation.

Detailed Description

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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

Conditions

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Cognitive Dysfunction

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Multisite, prospective, and open-label study involving two arms. Subjects from the general adult population were randomly assigned to either a cognitive intervention group or a no-intervention control group. The intervention consisted of in-person cognitive training over 12 weeks, with baseline and final cognitive evaluations. A sub-study will investigate neuroimaging changes in brain volume and activation as parameters of neuroplasticity stimulation
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Intervention group-MTT24.5

Subjects are assigned to 12 cognitive training in-person sessions of the MTT245 program by a validated trainer. Cognitive evaluations are made initially week 1 and at the end of the intervention at week 12.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Cognitive training

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

MTT24.5 consists in the learning of 40 new datas or knowledges, along 24.5 hours distributted on classes or sessions, during which an average of 3.5 new pieces of knowledge are taught and reinforced through training. Participants are trained using 4 techniques assigned to each new piece of information from a total of 100 available techniques. These techniques include the use of non-dominant skills, literacy in Braille for sighted individuals, and performing 5 actions simultaneously. Each technique is designed to aid in the memorization and learning of new knowledge

Control group

Subjects are assigned to a controlled arm whereas no intervention were done. They should underwent the same cognitive evaluations than active comparator at week 1 and 12.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Cognitive training

MTT24.5 consists in the learning of 40 new datas or knowledges, along 24.5 hours distributted on classes or sessions, during which an average of 3.5 new pieces of knowledge are taught and reinforced through training. Participants are trained using 4 techniques assigned to each new piece of information from a total of 100 available techniques. These techniques include the use of non-dominant skills, literacy in Braille for sighted individuals, and performing 5 actions simultaneously. Each technique is designed to aid in the memorization and learning of new knowledge

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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Mental Training Tech 245

Eligibility Criteria

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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.
Minimum Eligible Age

30 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Institute for Biomedical Research, CONICET

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Carol Kotliar

Chief Clinical Research Laboratory

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Carol V Kotliar, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

BIO

Carol V Kotliar, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Institute for Biomedical Research, CONICET

Locations

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Espacio Santa Maria

San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Site Status

Countries

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Argentina

References

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Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, Ames D, Ballard C, Banerjee S, Brayne C, Burns A, Cohen-Mansfield J, Cooper C, Costafreda SG, Dias A, Fox N, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimaki M, Larson EB, Ogunniyi A, Orgeta V, Ritchie K, Rockwood K, Sampson EL, Samus Q, Schneider LS, Selbaek G, Teri L, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-446. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6. Epub 2020 Jul 30. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32738937 (View on PubMed)

Lindenberger U. Human cognitive aging: corriger la fortune? Science. 2014 Oct 31;346(6209):572-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1254403.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 25359964 (View on PubMed)

Ball K, Berch DB, Helmers KF, Jobe JB, Leveck MD, Marsiske M, Morris JN, Rebok GW, Smith DM, Tennstedt SL, Unverzagt FW, Willis SL; Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study Group. Effects of cognitive training interventions with older adults: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Nov 13;288(18):2271-81. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.18.2271.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 12425704 (View on PubMed)

Snowdon DA; Nun Study. Healthy aging and dementia: findings from the Nun Study. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):450-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-5_part_2-200309021-00014.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 12965975 (View on PubMed)

Rebok GW, Ball K, Guey LT, Jones RN, Kim HY, King JW, Marsiske M, Morris JN, Tennstedt SL, Unverzagt FW, Willis SL; ACTIVE Study Group. Ten-year effects of the advanced cognitive training for independent and vital elderly cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014 Jan;62(1):16-24. doi: 10.1111/jgs.12607. Epub 2014 Jan 13.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 24417410 (View on PubMed)

Feingold A. New Approaches for Estimation of Effect Sizes and their Confidence Intervals for Treatment Effects from Randomized Controlled Trials. Quant Method Psychol. 2019;15(2):96-111. doi: 10.20982/tqmp.15.2.p096.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32775313 (View on PubMed)

Masic V, Secic A, Trost Bobic T, Femec L. Neuroplasticity and Braille reading. Acta Clin Croat. 2020 Mar;59(1):147-153. doi: 10.20471/acc.2020.59.01.18.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32724286 (View on PubMed)

Kotliar C, Olmos L, Koretzky M, Jauregui R, Delia T, Cingolani O. A new program for systematically enhancing cognitive reserve in healthy adults: A pilot randomized active-controlled clinical trial. PLoS One. 2025 Oct 1;20(10):e0331193. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331193. eCollection 2025.

Reference Type DERIVED
PMID: 41032503 (View on PubMed)

Provided Documents

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Document Type: Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Other Identifiers

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MTT245Cog

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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