Cognitive Rehab for Parkinson's

This study will examine the feasibility of an at-home cognitive training program that incorporates both memory training and online computerized cognitive training (CCT) software. Data will also be collected to determine if this program improves thinking and memory as well as everyday function. The hypothesis is that memory and cognitive training combined , compared to memory training alone or will lead to greater improvements in cognitive performance and daily function.

The objective of this study is to examine feasibility of an at-home cognitive rehabilitation program that incorporates both prospective implementation intentions strategies (PRIIS) and an existing web-based executive function (EF) computerized cognitive training (CCT) software for Veterans with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to collect pilot data to determine the impact of this program on cognition and everyday function. The central hypothesis is that CCT+PRIIS, compared to CCT alone and an active control group, will lead to greater improvements in cognitive performance and daily function. This innovative study uses a set of on-line training games that target aspects of EF susceptible in PD and trains the transfer of cognitive benefits to everyday function, using PRIIS, for Veterans with PD and mild cognitive impairment in executive function. Additionally, training is conducted at home allowing for convenience and flexibility for participants.

The cognitive training will include 4 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session will take 30min. Total hours of training is 16 hours. For memory strategy training, strategies will be performed daily; this will take only a few minutes a day to accomplish.

The cognitive training will include 4 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session will take 30min. Total hours of training is 16 hours. For the active control of memory strategy training, strategies will be performed daily; this will take only a few minutes a day to accomplish.

The cognitive training will include 4 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session will take 30min. Total hours of training is 16 hours. For the active control of memory strategy training, strategies will be performed daily; this will take only a few minutes a day to accomplish.

Cognitive training consists of a set of computerize games played on an iPad at home. Training will include 4 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session will take 30min. Total hours of training is 16 hours.

The active control consists of a set of computerized games played on an iPad. Training will include 4 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session will take 30min. Total hours of training is 16 hours.

the participant's prospective memory strategies will be developed with researchers. Participants will be engage in the strategies daily; this will take only a few minutes a day to accomplish.

the participant's prospective memory strategies will be developed with researchers. Participants will be engage in the strategies daily; this will take only a few minutes a day to accomplish.

change in NIH sponsored Executive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for neurobehavioral evaluation and re-search (NIH-EXAMINER) executive composite score

The NIH-EXAMINER has an established 3-factor model defined by (1) cognitive control, (2) working memory (3) fluency. A confirmatory factor analysis indicates these 3-factors load on to 1-factor: executive composite score. Seven tests in the NIH-EXAMINER will be used to compute the composite score

Inclusion Criteria: Veterans who seek services at Hines VA Hospital Diagnosis of PD as determined by the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Diagnostic Criteria Meet criteria for having mild cognitive impairment Receiving stable (i.e., no changes in medication and medication dose) medication and who are expected to remain on stable medication for the duration of the RCT 50 years or older Speak and read English Exclusion Criteria: Dementia Failure to demonstrate decision making capacity Cholinesterase inhibitor medication History of deep brain stimulation surgery Severe depression Severe anxiety Severe apathy

Final data sets will be made available as per Hines VA Hospital local policy for long term storage and access until enterprise-level resources become available.

These data will be available upon request by researchers and scientists in accordance with federal guidelines and Hines local policy.