What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Long COVID Syndrome include individualized return-to-activity programs, adequate rest, good sleep hygiene, and fatigue management strategies. For treatments similar to computerized brain-training exercises, potential side effects are generally minimal but may include temporary frustration or mental fatigue due to the cognitive demands of the exercises. These interventions aim to improve thinking, mood, and everyday functioning, and are considered acceptable and feasible for older adults.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

As of now, there are no specific FDA-approved treatments for Long COVID Syndrome. However, various therapeutic approaches are being studied, including cognitive enhancement through structured mental exercises like computerized brain-training. These interventions aim to improve cognitive function, mood, and daily functioning in individuals suffering from Long COVID symptoms. While no drugs have been approved specifically for this purpose, ongoing research is exploring the potential benefits of such non-pharmacological treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to computerized brain-training exercises for Long COVID Syndrome patients include: 1) Cardiac telerehabilitation, which has shown benefits in improving disease outcomes and quality of life in cardiovascular patients. 2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which has demonstrated improvements in psychological well-being and sleep-related quality of life. 3) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and yoga, which have been effective in managing anxiety and improving overall mental health. These interventions could be adapted to address cognitive and psychological symptoms associated with Long COVID.

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Behavioural Intervention

Brain-Training Exercises for Long COVID

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Cutter Lindbergh, Ph.D.

Research Sponsored by UConn Health

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age ≥ 55 years old

TICS ≥ 27

Must not have

Significant sensory or motor impairments (e.g., blindness) that may interfere with the ability to complete neuropsychological measures or engage in the intervention

History of neurological disorder or other medical condition with potential to impair cognitive functioning or interfere with study participation (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, dementia, head trauma followed by persistent neurological deficits or known structural brain abnormalities)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up our feasibility criteria will be assessed by calculating percentages at the conclusion of the study

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing if computerized brain-training exercises can help older adults with Long COVID. The goal is to see if these exercises can improve thinking, mood, and daily activities. The study will check if the exercises are easy to use and if they actually help.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for older adults (55+) who've had COVID-19 and are experiencing ongoing cognitive symptoms that started after their illness. They should be fluent in English, have a certain level of cognitive function (TICS ≥ 27), and not planning to change any psychiatric medication doses during the study. People with neurological disorders, prior cognitive impairments unrelated to COVID-19, significant psychiatric conditions, recent substance use disorders, or major sensory/motor issues can't participate.

What is being tested?

The trial is testing 'NeuroFlex', which involves computerized brain-training exercises designed as games. The goal is to see if these exercises can help improve thinking, mood, and daily functioning in older adults suffering from Long COVID's lingering effects on cognition.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves non-invasive computer tasks, side effects are minimal but may include eye strain or mild frustration due to the nature of brain-training activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am 55 years old or older.

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My thinking and memory test score is 27 or higher.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I do not have major sensory or motor issues that would stop me from participating in the study.

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I do not have any brain conditions that could affect my thinking or participation.

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I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment not related to COVID-19.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ the investigators will evaluate change in total fas score at post-treatment (6 weeks) relative to pre-treatment (baseline)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~the investigators will evaluate change in total fas score at post-treatment (6 weeks) relative to pre-treatment (baseline)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and the investigators will evaluate change in total fas score at post-treatment (6 weeks) relative to pre-treatment (baseline) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ)

Feasibility (proportion of subjects who agree to participate in the offered treatment, complete assigned exercises, and complete the entire treatment regimen)

System Usability Scale (SUS)

+1 more

Secondary study objectives

California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT)

Everyday Cognition (ECog)

Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)

+6 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Computerized Cognitive RemediationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Computerized brain-training exercises aim to improve cognitive function through structured mental activities that target specific brain regions involved in memory, attention, and problem-solving. These exercises stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For Long COVID Syndrome patients, who often experience cognitive impairments such as brain fog, these exercises can potentially enhance cognitive recovery, improve mood, and support better overall daily functioning.