Abstract
Background
Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has been found to improve cognition by altering functional activity and functional connectivity of brain networks in people with and without cognitive impairment. The effects of CCT on functional brain networks in Huntington's disease (HD) have not been comprehensively examined.
Objective
In our pilot trial of CCT, we aimed to explore effects of CCT on functional activity and connectivity of fronto-striatal regions during processing speed and cognitive flexibility tasks, and functional connectivity of resting-state networks in HD.
Methods
Sixteen participants in pre-manifest and early stages of HD were randomised to either a 12-week multi-domain CCT intervention (n = 6) or lifestyle education (n = 10). Participants completed a 1-h magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at baseline and follow-up, which included task-based and resting-state functional MRI. Analyses examined changes in functional activity and connectivity of fronto-striatal regions during processing speed and cognitive flexibility task performance, as well as functional connectivity within default mode and frontoparietal resting-state networks.
Results
While there was evidence of benefits to in-scanner task performance, there were no significant effects on functional activity or functional connectivity of fronto-striatal regions during task performance, or resting-state functional connectivity.
Conclusion
CCT did not generate significant effects on functional activity or connectivity of fronto-striatal networks associated with processing speed or cognitive flexibility, or resting-state networks in HD. A larger study is required to further examine the effects of CCT on functional brain outcomes and potential moderating factors.
Plain language summary
Computerized cognitive training (CCT) or ‘brain training’ has been found to improve cognitive functions by altering brain networks. This includes changing the activation of brain regions, as well as the communication between brain regions. The effects of CCT on brain networks in Huntington's disease (HD), however, have not been comprehensively examined. We conducted a study to determine the effects of CCT on brain networks in HD. 16 participants with pre-symptomatic or early-stage HD were randomly allocated to either a 12-week CCT program, or lifestyle education. Participants completed a 1-h magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at the start and end of the study (after 3 months). This involved scanning the participants while they completed cognitive tasks, and while they were at rest. For each participant, we looked at the activation and communication of brain regions in several key networks. To determine the effects of CCT, we compared whether changes in these networks across the 3-month period differed between the CCT group and the lifestyle education group. We found that although CCT benefited performance on cognitive tasks, there was no impact on brain networks involved in the tasks, or while at rest. Further research is required to confirm the brain changes that underlie the effects of CCT in HD.
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