Mobile Health Cognitive Stimulation in Heroin Users

Executive Functioning in Heroin Users Following a Mobile Health Cognitive Stimulation Approach: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Heroin use has been related to brain dysfunction particularly in the prefrontal cortex. These effects are evident in neuropsychological impairments in attention, memory and executive functioning of heroin users. To assess these deficits and the application of a novel approach of cognitive stimulation to heroin users in treatment for opioid dependence, we have carried out a neuropsychological intervention program with mobile health technology. Patients diagnosed with opioid dependence were submitted to cognitive stimulation during four weeks in a three-day/week basis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Only patients that scored higher than the cutoff values for their age on the Mini Mental Examination Test and with no clinical scores on the Symptoms Checklist Revised will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with alcohol dependence or with history of previous neurological disorders will be excluded from the study. Patients will be also screened for minimal computer literacy.