Study Comparing High and Low Dose Crossword Puzzle Training to Health Education for Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment Aged 55 to 89

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying mild cognitive impairment MCI, a condition that increases the risk of dementia, to find effective treatments that improve cognition and daily function. This study compares high dose crossword puzzle training, low dose crossword puzzle training, and a health education control in adults aged 55 to 89. The trial builds on previous findings that crossword puzzles may help reduce brain atrophy and improve cognitive outcomes compared to computerized training. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups high dose crosswords four puzzles per week, low dose crosswords one puzzle per week, or health education. The initial intensive phase lasts 12 weeks, followed by booster sessions occurring at weeks 20, 32, 42, 52, 64, and 78. Crossword puzzle sessions are completed both at home and in the clinic, while the health education group receives reading materials and phone calls to match time spent on crosswords. Throughout the study, participants attend in-person assessments at weeks 0, 12, 32, 52, and 78, which include cognitive testing and brain imaging. Researchers will measure changes in Alzheimers Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale scores, functional activities, MRI hippocampal volume, and cortical thickness. Biomarkers related to neurodegeneration and Alzheimers pathology will also be evaluated. The total study duration extends up to 78 weeks with careful monitoring of cognitive and brain health.

Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: COGIT-2 Trial