# Characterizing biopsychological mismatch during cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment as a means of improving transfer

> **NIH NIH K01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $125,847

## Abstract

ABSTRACT Cognitive training is a scalable, well-tolerated intervention for slowing cognitive decline and
preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) with minimal side
effects. Despite much promise, there have been mixed findings on strong, reliable transfer of cognitive training
to non-trained domains in older adults at risk for AD/ADRD, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI),
a critical pre-clinical stage for intervention. Transfer is hypothesized to occur when a mismatch between
cognitive resources and task demands leads to increases in the efficiency with which existing cognitive resources
can be applied to untrained tasks. However, few studies have attempted to quantify mismatch. The overall
objective of this K01 award is to develop a new conceptual and operational framework for biopsychological
mismatch in cognitive training in MCI, quantified as high mental energy and task absorption (using experience
sampling) and autonomic adaptation (from electrocardiogram/ECG) both within and across training sessions.
Using an existing speed of processing training (SOPT) dataset (Aim 1) with weekly measures of mental energy
and autonomic adaptation we hypothesize that higher biopsychological mismatch across sessions will be
associated with greater far transfer to executive function and episodic memory in MCI. We will also compare
biopsychological mismatch in MCI with healthy controls. In a small pilot experiment (Aim 2) we will collect
measures of mental energy, autonomic adaptation, and task absorption during SOPT sessions in a local
community representative sample of Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Non-Hispanic White older adults with MCI, and
hypothesize that higher biopsychological mismatch will be associated with increased near transfer from pre- to
post-session. We will also explore differences in biopsychological mismatch across racial/ethnic groups. This
K01 award application will enhance the career of Dr. Adam Turnbull, a cognitive neuroscientist and young
investigator with a strong research record in experience sampling (method) and cognitive aging (content),
allowing him to become a lead investigator in slowing and preventing AD/ADRD by developing personalized,
scalable non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs: e.g., cognitive training) addressing health disparities. The
candidate will gain research skills in: 1) behavioral intervention trial design and analysis applying principles from
the Science of Behavior Change and the NIH Stage Model, 2) novel biobehavioral measures and relevant signal
processing, data harmonization, and computational modeling; and 3) intersections on biobehavioral and
sociocultural health disparity research applying NIA Health Disparities Research Framework. Dr. Vankee Lin,
who was the candidate’s postdoc mentor with a strong track record and lab infrastructure for NPIs in AD/ADRD,
will guide the candidate in establishing his independent research program at Stanford Univ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10866190
- **Project number:** 1K01AG086665-01
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Adam Turnbull
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $125,847
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-15 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10866190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10866190, Characterizing biopsychological mismatch during cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment as a means of improving transfer (1K01AG086665-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10866190. Licensed CC0.

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