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Digital Interventions for Memory and Thinking in Older Adults

This study is looking at whether digital apps can help improve memory and thinking skills in older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Researchers want to see if using apps like Coherence (a music-based rhythm training app) or Worder (a word search app) can improve working memory (the ability to hold information in your mind and use it) and inhibitory control (the ability to control impulses and distractions). You might be able to join if you are between 60 and 85 years old, have at least 12 years of education, speak English, and have normal vision. The study will measure improvements in working memory right after the intervention and again six months later. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 150 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two digital intervention apps.
What's involved
You will complete web-based cognitive assessments and surveys at the start, after 8 weeks of using an app for 25-45 minutes daily, and again 6 months later. The initial assessment takes up to 120 minutes.
Compensation
Upon completion of all study activities, participants will be able to keep the iPad as a gift for their voluntary participation.
Follow-up
Participants will have a follow-up assessment 6 months after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06918704

BID WM Digital Intervention in Aging

Recruiting
NAAges 60–85InterventionalTreatment
University of California, San Francisco
~150 participants
Updated 2026-04-01 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:CoherenceWorder

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Working Memory
Measured over Immediately before the intervention, Immediately after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention

Conditions

Working Memory
Inhibitory Control
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Aging

Explore related trials

AgingMild cognitive disorder

NCT06918704

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of California, San Francisco

    San Francisco, Californiano site contact published

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Theodore Zanto, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Francisco

Who to contact

Melissa Arioli
[email protected]
(415) 506-7321
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Minimum of 12 years of education
English fluency
Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
Medically healthy older adults including those with below-average cognitive performance or mild cognitive impairment patients without dementia

Exclusion

Under the age of 60
Clinical diagnosis of neurological or psychiatric disorder
Visually or hearing impaired without correction to normal
Clinical diagnosis of dementia or AD8 score of \>3
Regularly (one or more times per week) practicing an instrument within the last year
10 or more years of formal musical instrument training

What this trial measures

  • Working MemoryImmediately before the intervention, Immediately after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention

    Working memory performance will be assessed with a delayed match-to-sample task.