The Cognition and Flow Study: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Cognitive Training on Cerebral Blood Flow

Lucy C. Beishon*, Ronney B. Panerai, Charley Budgeon, Hari Subramaniam, Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Thompson G. Robinson, Victoria J. Haunton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Cognitive training (CT) has demonstrated benefits for healthy older adults (HG) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the effects on vascular function are unknown. Objective: This is a feasibility trial investigating the effects of CT on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv). Methods: Twenty HG, 24 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and 12 with MCI were randomized to 12 weeks of multi-domain CT or control. Outcomes included: cognition (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III), mood, quality of life (QoL), physical, and neurovascular function (transcranial Doppler ultrasonography measured task activation of CBFv responses). Data are presented as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: 47 participants completed the trial. There were three dropouts from the training arm in the AD group, and one in the HG group. The intervention was acceptable and feasible to the majority of participants with a high completion rate (89%). The dropout rate was higher among participants with dementia. Few changes were identified on secondary analyses, but QoL was significantly improved in HG post-training (MD: 4.83 [95% CI: 1.13, 8.54]). CBFv response rate was not significantly different in HG (MD: 1.84 [95% CI: –4.81, 1.12]), but a significant increase was seen in the patient group (MD: 1.79 [95% CI: 0.005, 3.58]), requiring sample sizes of 56 and 84 participants respectively for a fully-powered trial. Conclusion: A 12-week CT program was acceptable and feasible in HG, AD, and MCI. CT may be associated with alterations in vascular physiology which require further investigation in an appropriately powered randomized controlled trial.</jats:p>
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1567-1581
Number of pages0
JournalJournal of Alzheimer's Disease
Volume80
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Apr 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Cognition and Flow Study: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Cognitive Training on Cerebral Blood Flow'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this