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Digital Intervention + Cognitive Strategies for Post-Stroke Depression

Phase 2
Recruiting
Led By Abhishek Jaywant, PhD
Research Sponsored by Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Must not have
Presence of or history of significant neurologic or neurodegenerative disorder other than stroke
Presence of dementia based on dependence in basic ADLs due to cognitive deficits
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline and end of treatment (6 weeks)

Summary

This trial tests a new treatment for stroke patients with depression and thinking problems. The treatment uses an iPad app to train the brain and online coaching to teach new thinking strategies. It aims to improve mood, thinking skills, and daily functioning.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals who had their first stroke at least 6 months ago and are now experiencing moderate depression and executive dysfunction. They must be able to use an iPad, not have severe language or speech impairments, no major neurological conditions other than stroke, and if on antidepressants, they should be on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks.
What is being tested?
The study tests a digital therapeutic (iPad-based cognitive training) combined with metacognitive strategy training. It aims to improve cognitive skills, alleviate symptoms of depression, enhance daily functioning, and potentially affect brain connectivity in post-stroke patients.
What are the potential side effects?
Since this intervention involves non-pharmaceutical therapy (digital cognitive exercises), typical drug side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience frustration or fatigue from the mental effort required by the tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have a significant neurological condition, but not a stroke.
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I need help with daily activities because of memory loss.
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My speech is hard to understand due to a medical condition.
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I am not fluent in English.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline and end of treatment (6 weeks)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and end of treatment (6 weeks) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in executive function, as measured by the Oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
Secondary study objectives
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Change in daily function, as measured by the Neuro Quality of Life (NeuroQOL) Cognitive Function Short Form
Change in daily function, as measured by the performance-based Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA)
+4 more

Side effects data

From 2023 Phase 2 trial • 110 Patients • NCT04843930
4%
Dizziness
2%
Nausea
2%
Headache
2%
Planned surgery
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Study treatment Arm
AKL-T01 Intervention
Waitlist Control
Control Arm Participants Who Started AKL-T01 Intervention
Control Arm Participants Who Declined AKL-T01 Intervention

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: AKL-T01Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants in the intervention group will complete 25 minutes of AKL-T01 per day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. AKL-T01 trains rapid multitasking on an iPad in an immersive videogame-like environment. Participants complete go/no-go + navigation exercises by moving the iPad to navigate a character on a path while tapping when a certain stimulus is presented and ignoring other stimuli. Participants will also receive weekly 45-minute metacognitive strategy coaching sessions delivered by a clinician. Sessions use guided questions and worksheets (shared virtually) to help participants reflect on their experience with AKL-T01 and link it to daily functioning, generate strategies for daily activities, and explore any emotional responses that arise during gameplay.
Group II: Enhanced Metacognitive Strategy TrainingPlacebo Group1 Intervention
In the control group, participants will complete-at the same frequency and duration as the intervention group-iPad-based games designed to provide general cognitive stimulation (word searches, checkers, and "spot the differences" between two pictures). Concurrently with these cognitive stimulation games, participants will receive weekly metacognitive strategy coaching sessions akin to that described above.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
AKL-T01
2018
Completed Phase 2
~860

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Weill Medical College of Cornell UniversityLead Sponsor
1,092 Previous Clinical Trials
1,154,716 Total Patients Enrolled
69 Trials studying Depression
16,769 Patients Enrolled for Depression
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)NIH
2,936 Previous Clinical Trials
2,751,571 Total Patients Enrolled
706 Trials studying Depression
260,988 Patients Enrolled for Depression
Abhishek Jaywant, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorWeill Medical College of Cornell University
4 Previous Clinical Trials
85 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Depression
10 Patients Enrolled for Depression

Media Library

AKL-T01 Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05507138 — Phase 2
Depression Research Study Groups: AKL-T01, Enhanced Metacognitive Strategy Training
Depression Clinical Trial 2023: AKL-T01 Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05507138 — Phase 2
AKL-T01 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05507138 — Phase 2
~28 spots leftby May 2026