RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Spatial Memory Training and Cognitive Function

This study explores a special type of memory training for people experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI means you have some memory issues but can still manage your daily life. It's sometimes seen as an early stage leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are testing a three-month programme using spatial memory training – that's remembering locations and routes – to see if it can improve memory and affect a key brain area called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is vital for memory and is one of the first places affected in diseases like Alzheimer's. The study aims to find out if this training can help preserve or even improve memory function and potentially delay further memory decline. Participants will have memory tests before and after the training to measure any changes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2030

Mild Cognitive Impairment

What is this study about?

This research is looking into an interesting way to help people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI means you might notice some memory problems, and tests confirm this, but you're still able to go about your daily life without much difficulty. Sometimes, MCI can be a step towards more serious memory conditions like Alzheimer's disease, but not always. The study wants to see if a special kind of memory training can make a difference.

The training focuses on something called spatial memory – that's your ability to remember where things are and how to navigate. Researchers believe that by giving your brain a workout in this area, they might be able to help improve or protect a specific part of your brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is really important for forming new memories, and it's often one of the first areas to be affected when memory problems become more serious. This study will involve a three-month training programme, and they will check your memory and thinking skills before and after.

The researchers have done similar studies before and found that this type of spatial memory training can actually improve memory and even affect the hippocampus in a positive way. By taking part, you could be helping them understand if this training could be a useful way to support people with MCI and potentially help slow down memory decline in the future. It's all about exploring new ways to keep our brains healthy and active.

Key takeaways

A study for people aged 55 and over with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Investigating if spatial memory training can help improve memory.
Focuses on strengthening a key brain area called the hippocampus.
Involves a 3-month special memory training programme.
Aims to understand new ways to support brain health and memory.
Previous research suggests this training can have positive effects.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged 55 or older and speak English or French as your main language. Importantly, you must have already been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had a stroke, a serious heart problem that isn't stable, or if you're battling severe depression or anxiety. They also can't include people who've had certain brain surgeries, currently smoke, or have conditions like untreated diabetes or cancer. If you get motion sickness easily or find virtual reality tasks difficult, this study might not be suitable as it uses special computer-based training.

Also, if you're taking certain medications, especially for sleep, pain (like opioids), or certain mental health conditions, or if these medications have changed recently, you might not be able to take part. It's worth discussing all your health conditions and medications with the study team to see if you're a good fit.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 55 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
Do you speak English or French as your main language?
Are you able to participate in virtual reality tasks without discomfort?
Do you have stable health conditions and medications (if applicable)?
Do you not have a history of severe mental health conditions like ongoing severe depression or certain other serious illnesses?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part in a three-month programme. This involves engaging in a special spatial memory training program during this period. You'll have memory and thinking tests done both before you start the training and again after the three months are up. This helps the researchers see if the training has made any difference. There's no specific mention of medication being given as part of the study; the intervention is the memory training itself. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including assessments, will be around three months, but the full study might last longer for researchers to analyse all the results.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer benefits such as improved memory or cognitive function, as indicated by previous research using this training. However, there's no guarantee of personal benefit, and the main aim is to advance scientific understanding. Potential risks are generally low, but might include discomfort with virtual reality tasks or the time commitment. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Verified postcode
Verdun, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI means you have some memory problems, perhaps noticed by you or others, but it's not severe enough to stop you from doing your usual daily activities.

What is 'spatial memory training'?

It's a special type of exercise for your brain that focuses on improving your ability to remember locations, routes, and how objects are arranged in space.

Will this training cure my memory problems?

This study is exploring if the training can help improve or slow down memory decline, but it's not expected to be a cure for memory problems.

How long does the study last if I join?

Your active involvement, including the training and tests, will last for about three months.

What will happen during the study visits?

You'll have memory and thinking tests at the start and end of the three-month training period.

How to find out more

Daniel R Saumier, PhD

daniel.saumier@douglas.mcgill.ca 514-761-6131 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.