Computerized Cognitive Remediation of Post-Viral Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults (Cognitive Remediation)

Are you 60 or older and experiencing memory or thinking problems that started or worsened after getting COVID-19?

If these cognitive symptoms have lasted for at least 12 weeks after your COVID-19 illness, you may be eligible to participate in a research study investigating whether brain-training exercises can help treat Long COVID memory and thinking concerns.

Who can participate?

• Adults aged 60 years or older
• Experiencing persistent cognitive symptoms (e.g., memory or thinking difficulties) for 12+ weeks after COVID-19 infection

What does the study involve?

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups (with a 2:1 ratio):

• Active brain-training exercises
• Alternative computer activities

Participation takes approximately 43-48 hours over 7 months, with most activities (40-46 hours) completed within the first 7-8 weeks, including:

• Initial intake visit: Eligibility confirmation (~2-3 hours)
• Computer activities: About 5 hours per week for ~6 weeks (total ~30 hours) completed on a tablet provided by the study and loaned to you for use during the treatment phase
• Weekly remote check-in meetings: ~30 minutes each during treatment
• Blood draws: Two sessions (before and after treatment), ~20-30 minutes each
• Three research visits: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up (~2–3 hours each, including assessments of cognitive, emotional, and daily functioning)

Location & Participation Details

• Computer activities and weekly check-ins are done remotely, from the comfort of your home.
• Research visits and blood draws take place in-person at UConn Health, Farmington, CT.
• There is no cost to participate.

Compensation

Participants receive up to $160 total:

• $60 after the initial intake visit
• $60 after the post-treatment visit
• $40 after the 6-month follow-up visit

Principal Investigator: Cutter Lindbergh, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 25-389-2

Enrollment end date: February 28, 2030