Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Phase IIB Plasticity-based Adaptive Cognitive Remediation for Alzheimers Disease - Project Summary Abstract The primary objectives of the current project are 1) to evaluate the longer-term efficacy of PACR-AD cognitive training (PACR-CT) measured 5 years after the completion of initial 10 weeks of training, 2) to determine the efficacy of the 10 weeks of booster training after 5 years from the initial training completion, and 3) to redesign the PACR-CT for optimal training schedule to sustain and potentially further-grow program-delivered benefits. We will examine prolonged PACR-CT efficacy compared to Active Control (Casual Games) at 5 years after training by comparing 1) cognitive and functional performance, 2) structural (white matter integrity and brain volume) and functional brain changes (rsfMRI and task-fMRI) and 3) neurodegeneration assessed with blood- based biomarkers (pTau-181) predictive of AD risk. Next, we will examine the general booster efficacy (pre- vs. post-booster training), and the interaction between initial training and booster training by comparing the change scores between groups. Finally, we will modify PACR-CT schedule with the optimal booster training interval calculated based on the rate of natural cognitive decline measured from Aim 1 and the performance improvement from the 10 weeks of booster training from Aim 2. Evaluation of the longer-term effect PACR-CT and the booster effect will be used to obtain FDA clearance for the program and commercialize it as the evidence-based prevention device indicated for age-related cognitive decline. This project should result in the development of a new, and powerful tool to provide effective adjunctive therapy that results in far greater resilience against cognitive impairment in a substantially greater pre-AD population.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).