Active clinical trials for "Cognitive Dysfunction"

This study is proposed to address the research gap identified by the investigation team. The investigators are currently conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effects of a new volunteer-supported model to improve cognitive function in MCI persons through the promotion of an active lifestyle. The investigators noticed that sleep problems are highly prevalent among this vulnerable group, and their motivation is low. As such, this team of investigators, which has a strong research track record and expertise in delivering psychosocial interventions, care of persons with MCI and dementia and chronic disease management using the empowerment-based educational model, developed an evidenced-based Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) intervention featuring the empowerment approach to improve sleep quality and cognition in persons with MCI. The PI and the Co-I (D. Yu) have successfully used the empowerment model to promote self-care among patients with heart failure. Indeed, the co-investigators have extensive research and clinical experience in working with people with MCI and dementia. The Co-I (D. Yu), a nursing academician specializing in gerontology, has established an online CBT-based website (Sweet Dream) to fight against insomnia in the older population in Hong Kong and has tested the effects of an activity-based intervention for older people with sleep complaints. Another Co-I (A. Wong) is a psychologist with substantial research experience working with people with MCI and dementia. This study proposes to address a neglected area in the literature and to test the effects of an empowerment-based CBT-I for MCI persons on their sleep and cognition.

Navigating according to a specific goal is a common activity of everyday life. Spatial navigation requires the implementation of motor and perceptual functions (sight, walking, proprioception), but also various cognitive functions (executive functions, memory, spatial orientation skills). Many people affected by a neurodegenerative disease have topographical difficulties which have a major impact on their autonomy in daily life, by gradually limiting their movements outside their home, then inside their home, and which are the main factor leading to the institutionalization of this population. People with dementia or MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) of the Alzheimer type, according to the definition of the NIAA (National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association) have navigation and spatial memory disorders, with difficulty in acquiring mental spatial representations of their environment. These topographical difficulties have been shown to be related to the reduction in volume of the temporal cortex, in particular the hippocampal regions, as well as to atrophy of the retrosplenial cortex. Augmented Reality (AR), often defined as an intermediary between the totally artificial world of VR and the real world in which we operate, makes it possible in particular to add summary information to the natural environment in which a participant operates. Even if, in particular in outside environment, AR must solve many challenges, such as the integration of the real and virtual worlds in real time, the selection of the modalities of restitution of information, its use is exponential in the medical field, in particular in surgery for the assistance of the practitioner, but also in the field of sensory substitution, in particular to facilitate the movements of people with visual impairment. Other works focused in helping people with dementia of the Alzheimer type, such as those of Quintana and Favela (2012) who proposed preliminary systems of annotations in AR. Hervás et al. were the first in 2014 to test the use of augmented reality to provide navigation assistance to people with dementia. In 2017, Firouzian et al. as well as Sejunaite et al. implemented related systems. Firouzian et al. have developed spectacle frames comprising around ten LED lights in order to provide directional indications to people who moved outdoor. However, the influence of this system on navigation performance has not been tested yet. On the other hand, although simple to develop, this system requires training on the part of the users and only makes it possible to provide directional information, which is not recommended for the implementation of a tool for this population. Finally, Sejunaite et al. used an environmentally tested smart glasses to allow users to display information in the form of a map to help older people navigate independently. However, the literature review indicates that even increased card use does not seem to be suitable for people with dementia or Alzheimer's-type MCI. Finally, these two tools do not allow navigational information to be co-located in the field of vision of people, which represents one of the major advantages of augmented reality. To our knowledge, there is not yet an AR device providing co-located information in the environment dedicated to outdoor navigation of people with dementia or Alzheimer's type MCI.

In this research study we want to learn more about whether taking Niagen, a daily supplement containing a form of Vitamin B3, will improve cognitive function, mood, and daily activity in people with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Progressively causes the breakdown of cognitive functions and impairs quality of life for patients and their caregivers. In addition to memory impairment, visual attention is also compromised, even at the stage of mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD). No treatment has been found for MCI-AD; therefore, attention has been drawn to non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in order to enhance cognitive functions by modifying brain plasticity. In the current research, investigator aim to examine the long-term effects of the optimal multiple-session tDCS protocol in MCI-AD on visual attention including the transfer to an ecologically valid virtual environment and identify the neural underpinnings of tDCS-induced behavioral aftereffects using a combined tDCS/ MRI network-based approach.

Aging tends to compromise the ability to solve problems, remember details, and process information. At the extreme level, this normal cognitive decline can interfere with independent living. Because most brain dysfunctions become irreversible before patients show clear signs in the clinic, there is a pressing need to prioritize preventative countermeasures. Exercise is a promising strategy to slow or reverse these losses. While most studies have looked at running or cycling exercise, little is known about the effects of weight lifting exercise. In addition, vascular health is intimately linked with cognitive abilities and risk of stroke, making it a primary target for intervention. Previous weight lifting studies suggest that blood vessels in the brain are a likely site of adaptation. The goal of this research is to understand how weight lifting exercise improves cognitive function in older adults. Specifically, the contribution of blood vessel changes in the brain after 12 weeks of weight lifting exercise 3 days per week. These vascular improvements may provide the link between physical and cognitive health, while simultaneously reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. To determine this, advanced brain imaging techniques will be used to measure blood flow/volume changes in the brain non-invasively. Physical capacity (i.e. strength), body composition (i.e. lean mass, fat mass), and blood markers will also be assessed using standard protocols, and each of these variables will be tested for their relationship with cognitive functions. Understanding how weight lifting exercise improves cognitive function will support the development of comprehensive treatments targeting overall brain health. With no current cures for dementia, this information will be vital in prescribing exercise for specific patient needs to reducing the risk of dementia and stroke. In addition, the promise of exercise therapies extends beyond the target disease, having further benefits to the well-being of participants. These types of treatments positively impact fundamental aging processes, and thus reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Even with moderate benefits to a specific disease like dementia, the global impact on healthcare would be substantial.

The process of receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized to induce behavioral responses that can be either adaptive or maladaptive. Five specific areas of concern have been identified, including: 1) failure to plan for future decline, decreased compliance and interaction with medical care providers, 3) decreased confidence and reduced social engagement, 4) increased physical limitations and 5) decreased medication compliance. In this pilot study, participants with MCI and their study partners will participate in behavioral interventions (primarily training workshops and classes) targeting each of these five areas of potential maladaptive behaviors.

Using a Virtual Reality (VR) games-based application is as an innovative falls prevention technology in an aged care service. The VR intervention has promising effects on improving the physical and balance performances in the older adults.The study explored and evaluated the effects of VR activity-based training on falls prevention among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

This study is designed to to test the technical feasibility of encouraging interaction with a mobile smartphone software package (mHealth app) for training aspects of executive function and cognition.

The potential impact of various dietary ingredients to improve cognitive function, mood, well-being, and overall levels of affects are largely undetermined. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a combination of two dietary supplements, Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catech, on cognitive function, well-being, mood, cognitive interferences, and inflammation.

OptiCogs Online is a complex multicomponent intervention comprising of cognitive, physical activity and educational components.