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Examining the Effectiveness of Cognitive Training in Older and Younger Adults
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2026-05-29
1600
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive training in both older and younger adults. The study aims to understand how these training methods impact cognitive performance using various visual and auditory tasks. Up to 1600 participants will be enrolled to compare cognitive changes over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. Participants will complete initial sessions involving viewing simple visual stimuli and listening to auditory tones, making judgments about what they observe or hear. Depending on their group, they may also complete two sets of ten 20-minute cognitive training sessions either at home or in the lab. The study has two groups: one with shorter assessment sessions and another with additional cognitive training sessions, each following a specific schedule over several weeks. Throughout the study, participants will undergo multiple assessment sessions lasting 45 to 75 minutes, including pre-tests, post-tests, and follow-up evaluations. These sessions will measure changes in memory, attention, response time, and accuracy across various cognitive tasks. The total participation time will range from about 8 to 15 hours, and the study includes questionnaires and other evaluations to monitor cognitive changes and participant experience.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effectiveness of Cognitive Training in Older and Younger Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Self-reported normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- No known neurological impairments
- Age within inclusion range: 18-30 years for younger adults and 60-85 years for older adults
You will not qualify if you...
- Physical handicap (motor or perceptual) that would impede training procedures
- Concurrent enrollment in other cognitive training studies
- Not proficient enough in English to follow instructions and complete sessions (usually learned English before age 11)
- Unable to adhere to training schedule
- For older adults: Score less than 17 out of 22 on the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA)
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.
1 visit (in-person or remote) to assess eligibility criteria
Duration - 2 to 3 days
Participants complete two sessions where they view visual and/or auditory stimuli and make simple judgments. They also complete questionnaires.
2 sessions (~75 minutes each) at home or in the lab
Duration - Up to 15 days
Participants complete a set of 10 sessions of cognitive tasks similar to the initial sessions, either at home or in the lab.
10 sessions (~20 minutes each) over 2 weeks
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete one session of cognitive tasks similar to the initial sessions, either at home or in the lab. Participants not completing cognitive training complete this session about two weeks after the initial sessions.
1 session (~75 minutes)
Duration - Up to 15 days
Participants complete a second set of 10 sessions of cognitive tasks, either at home or in the lab. Participants not completing cognitive training wait about two weeks.
10 sessions (~20 minutes each) over 2 weeks
Duration - 2 to 3 days
Participants complete two sessions of cognitive tasks similar to the initial sessions, either at home or in the lab.
2 sessions (~75 minutes each)
Duration - 3 days to 2 weeks
Participants complete two final testing sessions, each lasting about 45 minutes, either at home or in the lab.
2 sessions (~45 minutes each)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, California, United States, 92521
Actively Recruiting
2
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
Actively Recruiting
3
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53706
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
C. Shawn Green, PhD
F
Freya Joessel, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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