A new clinical trials being study conducted by University of South Florida (USF) is trying to devise an innovative training regimen, which could involve solving brain games and puzzles, to improve brain function. Funded by a $2.7-million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the researchers behind the study are conducting clinical trials for up to 1,600 older adults, who will learn a mental exercise routine focused on processing information to target cognitive improvements over time.
“This is a large primary prevention trial to examine if computerised cognitive exercises will reduce the risk of dementia,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudak, Research Assistant Professor at USF Morsani College of Medicine. “It is the first of its kind study that will train adults on these exercises.”
The primary investigators of the new study “Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease with Cognitive Training” are Dr. Jerri Edwardswith the USF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and Dr. David Morgan with Michigan State University and former head of USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute. They will oversee four training facilities, three in Tampa Bay and one in Michigan, that will each host up to 400 older adults.
One of the training sites will be located on the campus of USF St. Petersburg (USFSP).
“What we have learned is that the types of activities people do as they age really matter,” said Dr. Jennifer O’Brien, Associate Professor of Psychology who will supervise data collection and analysis at USFSP. “Those that target these cognitive functions, that continue to challenge a person and adapt with performance across time are beneficial to improving quality of life.”
