This study is aimed to investigate the efficacy of an 12-week Chinese calligraphy training program for enhancing cognitive and emotional functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants are tested with several cognitive tests and electroencephalography (EEG), psycho-physical parameters and brain activities are recorded. Results are compared at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-month post-intervention to provide evidence of benefits of Chinese calligraphy practice.
Participants are older adults with mild cognitive impairment, who will be recruited from several community elderly centers in Hong Kong according to selective criteria. The participants are randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group is invited to participate in 16 sessions of structured Chinese calligraphy program over 12 weeks. Each session lasts for 1.5 hours. The control group is invited to participate in an iPad learning program with navigating the Internet. The iPad program is also consisted of 16 sessions of 1.5 hours each over 8 weeks. Cognitive tests and physiological measures are conducted immediately before and after intervention and at 6-month post-intervention follow-up. Statistical analysis are performed to investigate the significant differences and interactions among the three time points. The association of cognitive performance and emotional calmness is also investigated. Selected participants are invited to take part in a EEG session while doing some computer tasks related to Chinese calligraphy. EEG results of are used to explore neural activities associated with visuospatial working memory and to provide evidence for neural changes at functional level as a result of Chinese calligraphy training and practice.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
99
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Change in Digit span backward test (DSB) from baseline, after end of training, and 6-month follow-up.
DSB evaluates working memory, which requires recalling digits in reverse order. The DSB test is structured with increased levels of difficulty.
Time frame: Baseline, within 2 weeks after end of training, and 6-month follow-up.
Color Trails Test (CTT)
CTT is consisted of two parts. CTT 1 evaluates attention and perceptual speed. Participants are asked to draw a line to between circles in consecutive order numbered 1 - 25, as quickly as possible. CTT 2 evaluates set-shifting. Each number (1 - 25) of CTT 2 is printed twice, one in pink and another in yellow color circle. Subjects are asked to connect the numbers in consecutive order but alternating between pink and yellow.
Time frame: Baseline, within 2 weeks after end of training, and 6-month follow-up.
Symbol-digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
SDMT evaluates executive function, in particular mental flexibility, of older people with cognitive impairment. It is a simple substitution task in which participants are asked to substitute series of symbols with specific digits within a period of 90 seconds.
Time frame: Baseline, within 2 weeks after end of training, and 6-month follow-up.
Heart rate and heart rate variability.
It is measured by the Polar RS800C.
Time frame: At the week 1, 5, 9, 12 during the intervention period, and at 6-month post-intervention.
Blood pressure.
It is measured by the Portapres.
Time frame: At the week 1, 5, 9, 12 during the intervention period, and at 6-month post-intervention.
Geriatric Depression Scale - Short Form (GDS-SF)
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GDS-SF measures subjective appraisal of the mood state. It consists of 15 statements about various aspects of mood such as appetite, quality of sleep, hope, and social functioning. Each statement is responded using a dichotomous format (yes/no).
Time frame: Baseline, within 2 weeks after end of training, and 6-month post-intervention.
Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease - Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-NAB)
CERAD-NAB is used to ask subjects to recall or identify the list of words learnt after a five minute delay.
Time frame: Baseline, within 2 weeks after end of training, and 6-month post-intervention.