Cognitive training and promoting a healthy lifestyle in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: The randomized controlled trial CogTrAiL-RBD.

INTRODUCTION

Isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal phase of Lewy body diseases and linked to a high risk for cognitive decline. Therefore, iRBD provides a suitable window for early intervention.

METHODS

In the monocentric randomized controlled trial "Cognitive Training & a Healthy, Active Lifestyle Program for People with Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder" (CogTrAiL-RBD), the feasibility and behavioral effects of a 5-week digital, adaptive, multidomain cognitive training alongside a module promoting a healthy lifestyle (INT) were compared to a waiting-list control group (CON) in 82 individuals with polysomnography-confirmed iRBD. The primary outcome was change in executive functions at 6 weeks post-allocation (t1) and at 6-month follow-up (t2).

RESULTS

For executive functions, we found positive intervention effects for the INT versus CON with a medium effect at t1 (d = 0.500, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.221-0.779) and a small effect at t2 (d = 0.397, 95% CI: 0.115-0.679).

DISCUSSION: CogTrAiL-RBD provides initial evidence for the feasibility and potential cognitive benefits of cognitive training within a lifestyle-guidance framework in individuals with iRBD. Its suitability for dementia prevention warrants further investigation.