Brain Aging in Veterans (BRAVE) Training: A Cognitive Training Pilot Trial in Older Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury

Cognitive Reserve and Training in Older Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury: Study 2

The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot trial investigating cognitive training in older Veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to assess training effects, acceptability of training to participants, and to explore whether other factors influence training effects.

A study of older Veterans (60-85 years old) who have 1) a history of repetitive mild TBI or at least one moderate TBI and 2) subjective cognitive complaints. Participants will be randomized to one of three conditions for 4 weeks: Project:Evolution (EVO) multitask video game, EVO words video game, or an assessment only control condition. Participants will complete assessment visits at baseline, post-intervention (1 month after baseline), and 3 months post-intervention (4 months after baseline).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages 60-85
2. Have experienced more than one mild TBI or at least one moderate TBI over their lifetime
3. Have current cognitive problems based on self-report
4. Vision adequate to see test stimuli
5. Hearing adequate to understand the examiner
6. Fluent in English in order to understand task instructions
7. Demonstrate capacity to consent to participate in research
8. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score ≥ 25

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of penetrating brain injury
2. Active disabling neurological condition (e.g., stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis)
3. History of severe psychiatric illness (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder)
4. Active drug use or active heavy alcohol use
5. History of severe TBI
6. History of a dementia diagnosis
7. Individuals who are physically unable to use an iPad for 30 minutes at a time per day will be excluded, such as individuals with debilitating arthritis or tremor