POSIT SCIENCE CORP — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase II: NIA

Description

Project Summary Abstract The primary objective of the current project is to improve and evaluate the efficacy of on line brain plasticitybased computerized assessment tool and training program for the prevention and delay of the onset of Alzheimer s diseaseADThis novel therapeutic strategy is designedto increase feed forward power in brain systems in ways that are designed to reactivate themandto directly exercise highest level neurologicalDNprocessesWe will rapidly develop an enhanced PACR ADprogram with older adult specific website wrappervideo instructions and motivation videoswhich will facilitate greater program engagement and adherenceNextwe will launch a large sampletwo sitedouble blind RCT of the program with older adultsThis RCT will be powered for clinically significant efficacy outcomesin itPACR ADwill be compared to an active control of computer games that are matched for the multiple factors of challengecomputer time and research staff interaction during the intervention periodFor the intervention trialwe have partnered with University of Iowa and University of Texas at DallasThese sites will comprehensively evaluate immediate as well as sustained outcomes of the PACR ADvscontrol intervention in cognitivefunctional andneurological measuresSuccessful evaluation of PACR ADwill be used to obtain FDA clearance for the program and commercialize it as the first evidence based prevention device indicated for age related cognitive declineGiven the ease of access of online based assessment and trainingthis project should result in the development of a newpowerful tool to assess and prevent the risk of onset of ADand to provide effective adjunctive therapy that results in far greater resilience against cognitive impairment in a substantially greater pre AD population Project Narrative The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a recently validated Plasticity based Adaptive Cognitive Remediation programPACR ADfor the prevention of Alzheimer s diseaseADThis proposal aims to improve and evaluate the benefits of a novelneuroplasticity basedcomputerized andampweb deliverable assessment and training program suite that have been shown to drive substantial improvements in cognitionThese outcomes are widely applicable to the cognitive health and life quality of elderly Americansand have further potential to offset degenerative processes common to normal aging