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Idiopathic Parkinson's DiseaseNCT02525367

Online Cognitive Training in PD, MS and Depressed Patients Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy

A study testing Online cognitive training in people with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, run by Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc at 1 site in Netherlands.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
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Trial summary

In Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and depressed patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive dysfunction is prevalent. However, treatment of these dysfunctions is in its infancy. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 to 70 years
What is being tested?
Online cognitive training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
28 participants
Where
1 siteNetherlands
Study dates
Mar 2016to 7 Jul 2017
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 30 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • General criteria:
  • Patients have (access to) a computer with access to the Internet. Patients are capable of using a keyboard and computer mouse.
  • Patients are willing to sign informed consent.
  • PD-specific criteria:
  • A compilation score of executive functions (i.e. Stroop, Trail Making Task, Fluency) shows deficit, which lies between 1 and 2 standard deviation (SD) below the mean of healthy Dutch norm population.
  • Patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease according to the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria.
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  • Patients are in Hoehn \& Yahr stadium < 4, and are medically stable during a month prior to the intervention. The medication will be attempted to remain stable for the remainder of the intervention.
  • Patients are 50 to 70 years old.
  • MS-specific criteria:
  • A compilation score of episodic memory (i.e. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Location Learning Test) shows deficit, which lies between 1 and 2 SD below the mean of healthy norm population.
  • Patients have been diagnosed with MS for a period longer than three month prior to inclusion in this study according to the renewed McDonald criteria.
  • Patients have been on stable medication for at least three months.
  • Patients are 30 to 45 years old.
  • PostECT-specific criteria:
  • Unipolar depressive patients indicated for ECT, who experience cognitive complaints after treatment with ECT.
  • Patients have undergone the full ECT-procedure.
  • Phonemic fluency and autobiographical memory (measured by the Kopelman Autobiographical Interview) show deficit: significant individual deterioration is present (> 1.5 SD deterioration), accounting for test- retest effects.
  • Patients are 50 to 70 years old.

Who cannot join

  • General criteria:
  • Indications for presence of dementia.
  • Presence of traumatic brain injury.
  • A psychiatric disorder (in the postECT group: other than unipolar depression).
  • No history or presence of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Inability to undergo a neuropsychological assessment (e.g. due to fast fatigue, seeing problems or language barrier).
Show all 12Show fewer
  • PD-specific criteria:
  • Psychotic symptoms, as screened by the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences (QPE). Benign hallucinations with insight are not contraindicated).
  • MS-specific criteria:
  • Patients with MS can't have relapses or can't use corticosteroids 4 weeks prior to the start of the study.
  • postECT-specific criteria:
  • Indications for presence of delirium.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Netherlands1 site
  • VU University Medical Center

    Amsterdam, North Holland, 1118

Other trials in Netherlands

About this study

Official title: Clinical Pilot Study in the Feasibility and Effect of Online Cognitive Training on Cognitive Functions in Patients With Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Depressive Patients Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy

In Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and depressed patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive dysfunction is prevalent. However, treatment of these dysfunctions is in its infancy.

The purpose of this study is 1) to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial using an online computerized intervention for training cognitive abilities in the three patient groups and 2) to estimate the effect of the online training on objectively and subjectively measured cognitive functions.

The investigators hypothesize that patients using online cognitive training will improve more on cognitive functions, as compared to patients using an active control condition.

Read the detailed description

In neurodegenerative disorders and psychiatric disorders, cognitive dysfunction is frequently reported. In Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy after a severe or therapy resistant depression (postECT), executive dysfunction, attention deficit or episodic/autobiographic memory deficit is prevalent. In MS and PD, these dysfunctions can appear already early in the disease. The majority of PD patients - lifetime prevalence is about 80% - develops PD dementia. In MS, about half of the patients experiences problems with cognitive functions. ECT is used to treat patients with severe and/or therapy resistant depression. However, 30-50% of these patients develops severe cognitive dysfunction. Recovery usually occurs within six months after ECT. However, performances remain below-average compared to norm groups and there are large individual differences. The cognitive difficulties in MS and PD have a significant negative influence on the quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction in PD is associated with decreased independent daily functioning, hospitalization and the development and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, in the clinic cognitive dysfunction has been reported to be one of the most dreadful side effects of ECT. However, effective treatment of the described cognitive dysfunction is still in its infancy.

Cognitive training is based upon the principle that plasticity of the brain can facilitate function improvement by intensive training. In several neurological diseases, cognitive training has shown significant improvement in cognitive functions. In MS and PD, earlier studies have been small, frequently without an adequately controlled design. Additionally, earlier cognitive training programs have frequently been executed in a health care organization, impairing patients to successfully attend all training sessions due to mobility impairments. Also, there are limited studies in the effects of cognitive training on improved functioning of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety and depression. Given the fact that there is an absence in cognitive training studies in patients post-ECT, there is no knowledge about the ability of cognitive training to speed up the natural course.

Using this pilot study, the investigators aim to study the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial using an online computerized intervention for training cognitive abilities in three patient groups. By using a double-blinded, controlled study design, the investigators keep in mind limitations of earlier comparable studies. If this treatment proves to be feasible, and a rough estimated effect size is positive, a larger randomized controlled trial can be executed to study the effectivity of this treatment. When effects are positive, an online cognitive training programme could prove to be a cost-efficient intervention that is accessible at home - something which is important for patients with mobility problems. The investigators hypothesize that patients using online cognitive training will improve more on cognitive functions, as compared to patients using an active training condition.

Being tested
Online cognitive training, Active control condition
Keywords
Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Depressed Elderly, Cognitive Dysfunction, Online Cognitive Training
Medical subject headings
Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cognitive Dysfunction

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Online cognitive trainingBehavioural

    Also called BrainGymmer, Dezzel Media B.V., The Netherlands

    The intervention is a computerized, online training programme which aims to train several cognitive abilities; especially the executive functions, attention, working memory and processing speed. The mental processes that are appealed to by the intervention are similar to processes that are trained in classic face-to-face training methods. Both the intervention protocol and the active control condition will contain several games that have the participant train cognitive functions/perform cognitive activities for 8 weeks, 3 times a week, 45-60 minutes each session.

  • Active control conditionBehavioural

    The active control condition consists of cognitive activities that do not intend to train cognitive functions based on 'cristallized intelligence', such as trivia. Both the intervention protocol and the active control condition will contain several games that have the participant train cognitive functions/perform cognitive activities for 8 weeks, 3 times a week, 45-60 minutes each session.

Study groups in NCT02525367
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
PD-ExperimentalExperimentalPD patients using the online cognitive training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Online cognitive training
PD-ControlActive comparatorPD patients using the active control condition for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Active control condition
MS-ExperimentalExperimentalMS patients using the online cognitive training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Online cognitive training
MS-ControlActive comparatorMS patients using the active control condition for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Active control condition
postECT-ExperimentalExperimentalDepressed elderly treated with ECT patients using the online cognitive training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Online cognitive training
postECT-ControlActive comparatorDepressed elderly treated with ECT patients using the active control condition for 8 weeks, 3 times a week
Receives: Behavioral: Active control condition

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Feasibility

    The feasibility of the intervention as reported by the patients on 4-point Likert scale items (T1)

    Measured: 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Trail Making Task

    Cognitive functioning as assessed by neuropsychological measures. These are measured by the interaction effect between time of measurement (T0 versus T1, or T0 versus T2) and condition (experimental versus active control). If possible, parallel tests will be used to correct for repeated neuropsychological testing. The objectively measured intervention effect will be assessed on the most affected cognitive domain, different per syndrome:

    • PD and postECT: improvement in executive functions, measured by change in the Trail Making Task

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  2. Cognitive functioning (subjectively measured)

    Change in subjective cognitive complaints as reported by the patient, measured by the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ)

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  3. Feasibility

    The feasibility of the intervention as reported by the patients in a group session lead by patients from the disease associations.

    Measured: Patients will be interviewed in a group session after study completion, an expected average of half a year

  4. Stroop Color Word Task

    Cognitive functioning as assessed by neuropsychological measures. These are measured by the interaction effect between time of measurement (T0 versus T1, or T0 versus T2) and condition (experimental versus active control). If possible, parallel tests will be used to correct for repeated neuropsychological testing. The objectively measured intervention effect will be assessed on the most affected cognitive domain, different per syndrome:

    • PD and postECT: improvement in executive functions, measured by change in the Stroop Color Word Test.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  5. Letter Fluency

    Cognitive functioning as assessed by neuropsychological measures. These are measured by the interaction effect between time of measurement (T0 versus T1, or T0 versus T2) and condition (experimental versus active control). If possible, parallel tests will be used to correct for repeated neuropsychological testing. The objectively measured intervention effect will be assessed on the most affected cognitive domain, different per syndrome:

    • PD and postECT: improvement in executive functions, measured by change in the Letter Fluency.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  6. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test

    Cognitive functioning as assessed by neuropsychological measures. These are measured by the interaction effect between time of measurement (T0 versus T1, or T0 versus T2) and condition (experimental versus active control). If possible, parallel tests will be used to correct for repeated neuropsychological testing. The objectively measured intervention effect will be assessed on the most affected cognitive domain, different per syndrome:

    • MS: improvement in episodic memory, measured by change in the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  7. Location Learning Test

    Cognitive functioning as assessed by neuropsychological measures. These are measured by the interaction effect between time of measurement (T0 versus T1, or T0 versus T2) and condition (experimental versus active control). If possible, parallel tests will be used to correct for repeated neuropsychological testing. The objectively measured intervention effect will be assessed on the most affected cognitive domain, different per syndrome:

    • MS: improvement in episodic memory, measured by change in the Location Learning Test.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Aug 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study startMar 2016
  3. Primary completionJun 2017
  4. Study completion7 Jul 2017

Why it stopped: All Parkinson's disease patients have finished training. The MS and ECT groups have not finished as these groups had trouble including 20 patients.

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
28 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02525367
Sponsor's protocol ID
CWO/15-10E
Status last verified
Aug 2017
First submitted
6 Aug 2015
Last updated
28 Aug 2017
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No

Publications

  • Oudega ML, van Exel E, Wattjes MP, Comijs HC, Scheltens P, Barkhof F, Eikelenboom P, de Craen AJ, Beekman AT, Stek ML. White matter hyperintensities and cognitive impairment during electroconvulsive therapy in severely depressed elderly patients. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2014 Feb;22(2):157-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2012.08.002. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

    PubMed 23567440
  • Chiaravalloti ND, DeLuca J. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol. 2008 Dec;7(12):1139-51. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70259-X.

    PubMed 19007738
  • Bosboom JL, Stoffers D, Wolters ECh. Cognitive dysfunction and dementia in Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2004 Oct;111(10-11):1303-15. doi: 10.1007/s00702-004-0168-1. Epub 2004 Jun 30.

    PubMed 15480840
  • Rubin EH, Kinscherf DA, Figiel GS, Zorumski CF. The nature and time course of cognitive side effects during electroconvulsive therapy in the elderly. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 1993 Apr-Jun;6(2):78-83. doi: 10.1177/089198879300600204.

    PubMed 8512634
  • Achiron A, Barak Y. Cognitive impairment in probable multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 Apr;74(4):443-6. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.74.4.443.

    PubMed 12640060
  • Muslimovic D, Post B, Speelman JD, Schmand B. Cognitive profile of patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2005 Oct 25;65(8):1239-45. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000180516.69442.95.

    PubMed 16247051
  • Aarsland D, Andersen K, Larsen JP, Lolk A, Kragh-Sorensen P. Prevalence and characteristics of dementia in Parkinson disease: an 8-year prospective study. Arch Neurol. 2003 Mar;60(3):387-92. doi: 10.1001/archneur.60.3.387.

    PubMed 12633150
  • Hely MA, Reid WG, Adena MA, Halliday GM, Morris JG. The Sydney multicenter study of Parkinson's disease: the inevitability of dementia at 20 years. Mov Disord. 2008 Apr 30;23(6):837-44. doi: 10.1002/mds.21956.

    PubMed 18307261
  • Rao SM, Leo GJ, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F. Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. I. Frequency, patterns, and prediction. Neurology. 1991 May;41(5):685-91. doi: 10.1212/wnl.41.5.685.

    PubMed 2027484
  • Klepac N, Trkulja V, Relja M, Babic T. Is quality of life in non-demented Parkinson's disease patients related to cognitive performance? A clinic-based cross-sectional study. Eur J Neurol. 2008 Feb;15(2):128-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2007.02011.x.

    PubMed 18217883
  • Fletcher P, Leake A, Marion MH. Patients with Parkinson's disease dementia stay in the hospital twice as long as those without dementia. Mov Disord. 2011 Apr;26(5):919. doi: 10.1002/mds.23573. Epub 2011 Mar 21. No abstract available.

    PubMed 21425337
  • Cicerone KD, Langenbahn DM, Braden C, Malec JF, Kalmar K, Fraas M, Felicetti T, Laatsch L, Harley JP, Bergquist T, Azulay J, Cantor J, Ashman T. Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: updated review of the literature from 2003 through 2008. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Apr;92(4):519-30. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.11.015.

    PubMed 21440699
  • Olazaran J, Reisberg B, Clare L, Cruz I, Pena-Casanova J, Del Ser T, Woods B, Beck C, Auer S, Lai C, Spector A, Fazio S, Bond J, Kivipelto M, Brodaty H, Rojo JM, Collins H, Teri L, Mittelman M, Orrell M, Feldman HH, Muniz R. Nonpharmacological therapies in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of efficacy. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2010;30(2):161-78. doi: 10.1159/000316119. Epub 2010 Sep 10.

    PubMed 20838046
  • Hindle JV, Petrelli A, Clare L, Kalbe E. Nonpharmacological enhancement of cognitive function in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Mov Disord. 2013 Jul;28(8):1034-49. doi: 10.1002/mds.25377. Epub 2013 Feb 20.

    PubMed 23426759
  • Rosti-Otajarvi EM, Hamalainen PI. Neuropsychological rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Nov 9;(11):CD009131. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009131.pub2.

    PubMed 22071863

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Online cognitive training in people with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, run by Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc at 1 site in Netherlands.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 18 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Aug 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study was stopped early (reason given: All Parkinson's disease patients have finished training. The MS and ECT groups have not finished as these groups had trouble including 20 patients.). Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Feasibility (time frame: 8 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02525367, which also lists 17 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Aug 2017; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.

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