Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: COGIT-2 Trial

Participants (n=240) will be randomized to high dose crosswords, low dose crosswords, and health education at 1:1:1 ratio, stratified by site, age (\< 70 and 70 years), and MCI status (early MCI and late MCI). In the two crossword puzzles conditions, after initial training to use the web-based platform, the participant will be assigned to do 12 weeks of crossword puzzles four times per week or 12 weeks of crossword puzzles once per week at home. After these 12 weeks, booster sessions will be either four or one 30-minute session(s) completed over 1 week. These booster sessions will occur at weeks 20, 32, 42, 52, 64, and 78. In-person assessments will occur at 0, 12, 32, 52, 78 weeks with one crossword puzzle session, which will count toward the booster session. Health education will involve reading chapters in a book on common illnesses and lifestyle, and a research staff member will review these chapters at the same assessment intervals as the crossword puzzles conditions.