# ACTIVE Cognitive Training Trial: 20-Yr Follow-up of Functioning, Health, & Dementia

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $688,262

## Abstract

Abstract
The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study is the largest randomized
clinical trial (N = 2802) to examine whether cognitive training enhanced both cognitive abilities and everyday
functioning in normal older adults. Subjects trained on memory, reasoning, or processing speed performed
significantly above controls at 5- and 10-year follow-ups. In addition, trained subjects reported less difficulty in
performing IADL tasks at 10-year follow-up. Speed and reasoning training was associated with reduction in
auto crashes and in driving cessation. Recent preliminary, but promising findings suggest an effect of training
on incidence of Alzheimer's and related dementias. While these findings provide strong support for the benefits
of cognitive training, the results focus on only short-term outcomes. This proposed 20-year follow-up would
allow us to address questions highly relevant to health care and public policy that can only be addressed when
the majority of the sample is deceased: Is training-related enhancement of cognition and everyday functioning
associated with a long-term reduction in disability, loss of independence, and incident dementia in advanced
old age and a reduction in associated financial costs? We propose to employ a wide range of linked data
including: Medicare and Medicaid Claims, National Death Index, driving records, and credit reports. This study
will assess the long-term impact and sustainability of the ACTIVE interventions on critical real life outcomes
and related costs in advanced old age, including 1) Maintenance of independent functioning; 2) Physical
health, disability, frailty, and mortality; 3) Incidence and duration of Alzheimer's and related dementias and
depression.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9928379
- **Project number:** 5R01AG056486-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** GEORGE W. REBOK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $688,262
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9928379

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9928379, ACTIVE Cognitive Training Trial: 20-Yr Follow-up of Functioning, Health, & Dementia (5R01AG056486-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9928379. Licensed CC0.

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