Effects of brain training in Huntington’s disease

The intervention consists of computerised cognitive training, using the BrainHQ platform. BrainHQ involves a suite of online exercises targeting various cognitive functions, including processing speed, attention, working memory and executive functions. The training will be adaptive, i.e., the difficulty level will be adjusted according to participant performance and progress. Exercises will involve short games requiring a response using mouse or keyboard, such as reproducing a sequence of digits presented in moving circles. Training will be administered on the participants’ personal computer, within their own homes. Participants will access the training via the BrainHQ website. Participants will be required to complete two 1-hour sessions of training per week, over 12 weeks. One session each week will be completed individually, without supervision, while another session will be supervised using a video conference software, and in a group format if scheduling allows. Supervision will be conducted by a student researcher trained in administering the cognitive training. Participant adherence will be assessed according to the activity logs in BrainHQ, which automatically records the number of hours of training completed. Fidelity will be maintained through weekly phone calls by the student researcher to provide feedback on progress and increase motivation to complete the training. Barriers to adherence will be discussed and troubleshooted.