Impact of Short-Term Computerized Cognitive Training on Cognition in Older Adults With and Without Genetic Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: Outcomes From the START Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo establish the impact of a 3-minute computerized cognitive training program (START) on cognition in older adults with and without genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. DesignTwo-arm randomized controlled trial of the START program. Setting and ParticipantsRemote online trial in adults older than 50 taking part from home. MethodsThe trial compared the START program with placebo in 6544 people older than 50. Primary outcome was executive function measured through Trailmaking B, with other secondary cognitive measures. Genetic risk profile and ApoE4 status were determined by Illumina Array. ResultsSTART conferred benefit to executive function, attention, memory, and a composite measure, including in people with the ApoE4 genotype. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe 3-minute START task offers a means of supporting cognitive health in older adults and could be used at scale and within a precision medicine approach to reduce risk of cognitive decline in a targeted way.