NCT06828471 · Rush University Medical Center
Social Cognition Training in Individuals With Huntington's Disease
What this study is about
Individuals with Huntington's Disease have impaired social cognition, which is the domain of cognition that allows individuals to understand others' perspectives so that they can navigate interpersonal actions successfully (e.g., understanding someone may be sad based of their facial emotion or tone of voice and then responding in a sympathetic manner).
View original scientific description
Individuals with Huntington's Disease have impaired social cognition, which is the domain of cognition that allows individuals to understand others' perspectives so that they can navigate interpersonal actions successfully (e.g., understanding someone may be sad based of their facial emotion or tone of voice and then responding in a sympathetic manner). Impaired social cognition is associated with impaired social functioning, poor psychological wellbeing and increased caregiver burden, which is known to be significant among those who care for individuals with Huntington's Disease. Computerized social cognition training has been shown to improve social cognition in individuals with schizophrenia, who, like individuals with Huntington's disease, have cognitive impairments. The investigators propose a pilot study of computerized social cognition training in individuals with Huntington's disease. This will be a feasibility study that aims to show that social cognition training in HD can be studied in preparation for a larger randomized controlled trial. The investigators hypothesize that social cognition training can improve social cognition, social functioning, and quality of life in individuals with Huntington's Disease and decrease caregiver burden among those who care for individuals with Huntington's Disease.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Social Cognition Training
Neuroplasticity-based social cognition training that targets a range of social cognition skills, including visual and vocal affect perception, social cue perception, theory of mind, self-referential style, and empathy
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of participants willing to consider study out of those who have been approached
Time frame: 32 months
Number of participants who adhered and completed the study
Time frame: 32 months
Ease of program on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being "very easy."
Time frame: 32 months
Participant satisfaction with the program
Time frame: 32 months
This will be a qualitative measure. The study staff will elicit from the participants what they liked about the program, what they did not like about the program, and what they would change about the program if they could.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- for Individual with Huntington's Disease
- Diagnosed with Huntington's Disease based on genetic testing
- Must be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Native English speaker who is literate in English
- Stable psychotropic medication regimen for 4 weeks
- Must have a score of "somewhat easily" on all items in the CPQ-12
- Completed 12 years of schooling
- Access to laptop or mobile device
- Willingness to come in person 6-12 weeks after first visit Inclusion Criteria for Caregiver of Individual with Huntington's Disease
- Lives with patient
- Must be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Native English speaker who is literate in English
- Willingness to come in person within 6-12 weeks after first visit
Exclusion criteria
- for Individual with Huntington's Disease
- Any known neurological condition (other than Huntington's Disease).
- History of learning and/or intellectual disabilities
- Currently actively involved in any other interventional trial (i.e. have begun the intervention) or within 4 weeks of completing the final assessments of an interventional trial.
- Currently regularly completing a computerized cognitive training intervention.
- Active suicidal ideation with some intent Exclusion Criteria for Caregiver of Individual with Huntington's Disease
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Active suicidal ideation with some intent
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 10, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations