Actively Recruiting
Behavioral Intervention Development Core - Working Memory Digital Intervention in Aging
Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2026-04-01
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate whether engaging with digital interventions can improve cognitive functions, specifically working memory and inhibitory control, in older adults. The study focuses on medically healthy seniors, including those with mild cognitive impairment but without dementia, to understand if these digital tools may help enhance cognitive skills related to aging. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two digital intervention groups to compare their effects. Participants will receive an iPad tablet and be randomly assigned to use either the Coherence app, which involves music-based rhythm training, or the Worder app, a word search game. They will be asked to train with their assigned app for 25 to 45 minutes per day, five days a week, over a period of up to eight weeks, totaling 1000 minutes of training. The study includes a baseline assessment, the intervention period, a post-intervention assessment, and a follow-up assessment six months later. Throughout the study, participants will complete web-based cognitive assessments and surveys at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and six months following the intervention. These assessments measure various cognitive abilities including working memory, inhibitory control, long-term memory, and sustained attention. Surveys will also gather information on stress levels, health background, and expectations. Participants can complete assessments across multiple sessions and will keep the iPad as a gift after finishing all study activities.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
BID WM Digital Intervention in Aging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Minimum of 12 years of education
- Fluency in English
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- Medically healthy older adults including those with below-average cognitive performance or mild cognitive impairment without dementia
- Age between 60 and 85 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Under the age of 60
- Clinical diagnosis of neurological or psychiatric disorder
- Visually or hearing impaired without correction to normal
- Clinical diagnosis of dementia or AD8 score greater than 3
- Regularly practicing a musical instrument one or more times per week within the last year
- Having 10 or more years of formal musical instrument training
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Up to 1 day, can be completed across more than one session
Participants complete web-based cognitive assessments and surveys addressing various cognitive functions and background health information.
1 to 2 visits (web-based)
Duration - Up to 8 weeks
Participants engage with the assigned intervention app on an iPad for 25-45 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for up to 8 weeks, totaling 1000 minutes of training.
Daily sessions, 5 days per week
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete the same cognitive assessments and surveys as at baseline to measure outcomes immediately after the intervention.
1 visit (web-based)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete the same cognitive assessments and surveys 6 months after the intervention to assess long-term outcomes.
1 visit (web-based)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States, 94621
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Melissa Arioli
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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