Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploring Feasibility, Acceptability and Impact of Using Neurofeedback with Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study explores different 'neurofeedback' approaches for people experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI means you have more trouble with memory, language, or thinking than usual for your age, but it's not as severe as dementia. Current treatments don’t always work well, so researchers are looking for new options. Neurofeedback is a gentle technique that aims to improve how your brain works. This study will test three specific types: Nonlinear Dynamical Neurofeedback (NLD), Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS), and Brain Music. The main goal is to see if these methods are practical, comfortable to use, and could potentially help with memory, mood, and behaviour. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these neurofeedback groups or a standard care group for five weeks.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen's University

Enrolment target

Start

27 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jan 2026

Mild Cognitive Impairment

What is this study about?

You might have heard of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is when someone has more memory, language, or thinking difficulties than expected for their age. It's often a concern because, for some people, MCI can eventually lead to dementia. Unfortunately, current treatments, both medicines and other therapies, don't always offer a lot of help.

Because of this, scientists are keen to find new approaches. One area of interest is 'neurofeedback'. This is a gentle, painless technique that helps your brain become more flexible and strong. The idea is that by improving how your brain works, we might be able to boost your thinking skills and possibly even slow down memory decline. This study is focusing on three types of advanced neurofeedback: Nonlinear Dynamical Neurofeedback (NLD), Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS), and Brain Music.

Before these treatments can be widely used, it's really important to find out if they are practical, comfortable for people to use, and if they show any early signs of being helpful. That's exactly what this study aims to do. It's a small, initial study to explore if these neurofeedback methods could be a good way to manage problems with thinking, emotions, and behaviour in people with MCI. It's about gathering information to decide if a larger study should be done in the future.

Key takeaways

New study exploring non-drug treatments for mild memory problems.
Investigating three types of 'neurofeedback' brain training.
Aims to check if these methods are safe, practical, and potentially helpful.
Participation involves about five weeks of commitment.
Open to patients with mild cognitive impairment from a specific clinic.
Your involvement could help future understanding of brain health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These participants must be attending the Memory Clinic at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. So, if you're an adult patient at that specific clinic and have MCI, you might be able to take part.

There are also some things that would mean you can't join the study. For example, if your memory or thinking problems are due to a mental health diagnosis (like severe depression or schizophrenia) or if you've had a recent brain injury, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study is open to both men and women aged 55 and over.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 55 or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?
Are you a patient at the Memory Clinic at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, Ontario?
Are your memory and thinking problems NOT due to a mental health condition or a recent brain injury?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first have some checks to make sure the study is right for you. If you qualify, you'll be randomly put into one of four groups – like drawing names from a hat. Three groups will receive different types of neurofeedback sessions (NLD, LENS, or Brain Music), and one group will receive the usual care you would normally get for MCI.

Each neurofeedback treatment will last for five weeks. Before the five weeks start, and again after they finish, you'll have some assessments. These will include tests to check your thinking skills, and you'll also fill out questionnaires about things like your sleep quality, mood, and anxiety levels. The study also wants to understand if the treatments are easy and comfortable for you. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including assessments and the intervention period, will be around five weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

It's important to remember that this is a pilot study, meaning it's an early look into these treatments. We don't yet know if there will be direct benefits for you, but there's a chance the neurofeedback could help with your memory, mood, or behaviour. It may also feel reassuring to contribute to research that could help others in the future. The risks with neurofeedback are generally considered low, as it's a non-invasive technique, meaning nothing enters your body. There might be minor discomforts, like having sensors on your head. You can stop participating at any time if you change your mind, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Providence Care Hospital
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada

Common questions

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a gentle technique that helps you learn to change your brain activity for the better, potentially improving how your brain works.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is testing different types of neurofeedback, not new medicines.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active involvement, including assessments and the treatment period, will last about five weeks.

Can I choose which neurofeedback treatment I get?

No, you will be randomly assigned to one of the neurofeedback groups or the usual care group to ensure fairness.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are free to leave the study at any time, and your decision will not affect your standard medical care.

How to find out more

Marian Luctkar-Flude, PhD

mfl1@queensu.ca 613-888-6335 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.