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. 2024;14(6):203-216.
doi: 10.2217/nmt-2023-0001. Epub 2024 May 11.

Effects and mechanisms of computerized cognitive training in Huntington's disease: protocol for a pilot study

Affiliations

Effects and mechanisms of computerized cognitive training in Huntington's disease: protocol for a pilot study

Katharine Huynh et al. Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2024.

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) causes progressive cognitive decline, with no available treatments. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has shown efficacy in other populations, but its effects in HD are largely unknown. This pilot study will explore the effects and neural mechanisms of CCT in HD. The intervention group participants will complete 12 weeks of multidomain CCT. Control group participants will receive lifestyle education and access to CCT after the study. The primary outcome is change in processing speed. Secondary outcomes include - change in other cognitive domains, functional brain network connectivity (derived from MRI) and psychosocial function. Feasibility outcomes include rates of recruitment, adherence and retention. This study may provide insights into the effects of CCT in HD and guide future trials.Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12622000908730 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Keywords: Huntington's disease; cognition; cognitive training; functional connectivity; randomized controlled trial.

Plain language summary

[Box: see text].

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Design of the letter-number task-switching paradigm. ITI: Intertrial interval.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Design of the modified Symbol Digits Modalities Test. ITI: Intertrial interval.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Timeline for participants for enrolment, allocation, intervention and assessments.

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