Mental Training for Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Exclusion Criteria

• •CDR score other than 0.5
• •Cardiovascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure
• •Has surgical aneurysm clips, neurostimulator, implanted pumps, metal fragments in eyes, cardiac pacemaker, non-removable nitroglycerin patch, non-MRI compatible cochlear implants, any other non-MRI compatible metal in body
• •Has permanent bridgework in upper mouth that could interfere with MRI scan
• •Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine, or hepatic disorders
• •Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• •Uncontrolled diabetes or insulin-treated diabetes (diabetes that is controlled with no more than one oral medication will be allowed)
• •A history of neurological disease or injury, including a history of seizures or significant head trauma (i.e. extended loss of consciousness, bleeding in the brain, Parkinson's disease, stroke)
• •Received treatment for cancer within the last year (skin cancer will be allowed as will any cancer more than 2 years since the last treatment)
• •Diagnosis of schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder at any point during lifetime
• •Any axis I psychiatric disorder within the last 12 months
• •Weighs more than 350 pounds
• •Neurological or medical conditions that would interfere with study procedures or confound results, such as conditions that alter cerebral blood flow or metabolism
• •Unstable medications or on medications with CNS effects including cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and antidepressants
• •Use of psychotropic medications within 12 months prior to the study
• •Daily use of any medication that alters neural metabolism or blood flow, including chronic use of benzodiazepines, potent CNS penetrant anticholinergic medications (for bladder control or allergies). These medications taken on an as-needed basis (prn) will be allowed. (Over the counter supplements such as Gingko and fish oil will be allowed)
• •Any other medications as reviewed by a clinician on a case-by-case basis
• •Current regular practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, Feldenkrais, or other mind-body practice or more than 8 30-minute long mind-body sessions within the last 6 months. Significant prior mind-body experience as determined by the PI based on frequency, duration, recency, and type of practice.
• •Claustrophobia
• •Any other criteria that will interfere with the subject's participation as determined by study doctor
• •Participation in any investigational drug study within 4 weeks of screening.