Spatial Memory Training and Cognitive Function

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a warning sign – it sits between normal aging and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). But what if we could slow or even reverse its effects? This study aims to test whether a 12-week spatial memory training program can strengthen memory by stimulating the hippocampus, a key brain region for memory, in patients diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment.

Principal Investigator

Véronique Bohbot, Ph.D. (PI) and Greg West, Ph.D. (Co-I)

Description of study

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often considered a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One of the first brain regions to show AD pathology is the hippocampus (HPC). Reduction in HPC grey matter is a strong predictor of AD dementia. Therefore, improvement or restoration of HPC structure and functions is an attractive target for improvement in memory and AD prevention strategies.

In the current study, we examine the effects of a 3-month long spatial memory program on spatial memory and the hippocampus in patients diagnosed with MCI. In our previous research, we have shown that spatial memory intervention program (SMIP) improves cognition and hippocampal based spatial memory compared to controls.

Our Clinical Trials Québec page

Our ClinicalTrials.gov page

Financial compensation

Yes

Functioning

All potential participants who contact us will be screened. Individuals who are eligible will be randomized either to a spatial memory intervention or an active placebo condition. Prior to starting this 12-week experimental period, participants will be given a pre-training psychometric test/questionnaire battery which will be repeated right after the training sessions and 6 months later. This battery will assess cognition, daily functioning, stress, health, physical activity, quality of life, and self-esteem. It will include independent computerized spatial memory tests assessing the generalization of cognitive improvement in the spatial domain, as well as paper and pencil memory tests. A non-invasive MRI scan and blood draw will also be completed during the pre-training, post-training, and 6-month follow-up sessions.

 

Participation requires 2 visits/week :

  • Pre-training sessions (2 weeks)
    4 visits of approx. 3 hours (include MRI + blood sample)
  • Cognitive Stimulation Period (12 weeks)
    24 visits of 1 hour
  • Post-training sessions (2 weeks)
    4 visits of approx. 3 hours (include MRI + blood sample)
  • 6-month follow-up sessions (2 weeks)
    4 visits of approx. 3 hours (include MRI)

 

Benefits

Participants in the spatial intervention condition will be administered the spatial memory training program (SMIP) which has been shown to improve cognition and hippocampal based spatial memory. Participants in the active placebo condition will be offered the SMIP after completing their 6-month follow-up sessions.

Eligibility criteria

  • 55+ years old
  • Have a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis
  • Primary language is English or French
  • Not currently on medication for mood or sleep difficulties (or stable intake for more than 3 months)
  • No history of severe mental or neurological illness, or stroke

Information

  • Location :
    Memory & Motion Lab (F-0115), FBC Pavilion, Douglas Mental Health University Institute
  • Contact :
    For more information and to see if you are eligible, call Jacob Turcotte, Spatial memory training coordinator at (514)-761-6131 ext 3408 or email him at spatialmemorytraining@gmail.com