Clinical Trial: Computerized Cognitive Skills Training for Adolescents With Velocardiofacial Syndrome

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Computer-Based Cognitive Remediation in Adolescents With VCFS

Brief Summary: This study will test a computer-based treatment for youth with the genetic disorder velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) to help them improve skills in memory, attention, and executive functioning.

Detailed Summary:

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic condition caused by deletion of a segment of the 22nd chromosome at the location 22q11.2. VCFS is characterized by a combination of medical problems related to the palate (velo) and the heart (cardio) and by a distinct facial appearance. Also common in people with VCFS, among other problems, are learning and speech difficulties. These difficulties are specifically categorized as deficits in attention, working memory, and executive functioning. This study will develop and test a computer-based intervention for adolescents with VCFS that will teach them cognitive skills to lessen these deficits.

This study will have three phases. In the first phase, the intervention will be pilot tested with an in-person coach. In the second phase, the intervention will be pilot tested remotely with a video-conferencing coach. In the third phase, the intervention will be delivered remotely, and testing will be expanded to include more participants and a longer assessment period. Information on participant drop-out and level of difficulty will be gathered and used to refine the treatment between phases.

Participation in Phase 1 will last 6 months. At study entry, participants will complete baseline measures that involve a structured diagnostic interview to assess behavioral or emotional difficulties and cognitive testing to assess intellectual functioning. Then they will meet with a study training coach three times a week at their homes. During these sessions, participants will complete exercises in the Challenging our Minds program, a computer-based system designed to improve learning. Exercises will develop skills in seven domains: attention, decision making, memory, understanding relationships between objects, problem solving, communication, and social perception.

Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Performance on the Apartment Test [ Time Frame: Measured immediately following the intervention at each phase ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: State University of New York - Upstate Medical University

Dates:
Date Received: June 8, 2009
Date Started: September 2009
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 20, 2016
Last Verified: October 2016