A large-scale clinical trial led by USF researchers aimed at slowing the onset of dementia continues to receive significant support from the federal government to address the public health crisis.
The Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease through Cognitive Training (PACT) study received an additional $2.8 million from the National Institutes of Health to continue researching whether computer-based brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. PACT research currently has more than $50 million in federal funding.
PACT, which began at the University of South Florida in 2020, has expanded to 10 locations in the southeastern United States, including Duke University, Clemson University, and the University of Florida. This is the largest clinical trial of its kind, with 7,600 older adults from all major demographic groups enrolled to participate.
Developing solutions to slow and reduce the progression of dementia is a scientific priority for the federal government and our society. As baby boomers age, cognitive decline and dementia are rapidly increasing, further highlighting this critical public health issue we must address. ”
Jennifer O’Brien, principal investigator and associate professor of psychology, USF St. Petersburg
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million people worldwide live with some form of dementia. More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
“Cognitive impairment affects so many people directly or indirectly, so conducting a study to examine the effectiveness of this study could have a positive impact on so many people,” said Jennifer Harris, a researcher at the USF Health Information Institute who is part of the PACT research team. “Bringing together such a large group of older adults from different regions of the country is important to ensure that the study group represents the larger population of the country.”
Enrolled PACT study participants are 65 years of age or older with no cognitive impairment or signs of dementia. Participants first attended two in-person visits and learned various brain training activities from researchers and staff. Over the next three years, I completed approximately 45 hours of computer-based exercises at home. Participants are now returning for a third in-person study visit for a final assessment.
O’Brien said the study’s high enrollment numbers demonstrate the willingness and interest of older adults to participate in dementia-related research and supporting science.
“It’s a lot of work to enroll that many people and keep them involved over a long period of time, especially when something happens in your life or something like a hurricane,” O’Brien said. “We don’t have results yet, but one thing we’ve learned is how to effectively engage older adults in research and keep them motivated over this period.”
The study is expected to conclude in January 2028, with first results published by fall of the same year.
“If training to reduce the risk of dementia proves to be highly effective, delaying the onset of dementia by even one year could reduce the number of cases by around 9.2 million over 30 years,” O’Brien said.
The PACT study is funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.
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University of South Florida
