A Study on the Effectiveness of Multidomain Intervention Program for Reducing Risks of Dementia

Seoul National University Hospital32 enrolled

Overview

Investigators aimed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a multidomain intervention strategy involving intensive and maintenance programs aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in at-risk older adults. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: (1) intensive plus maintenance program (INT+MNT group), (2) intensive program only (INT-only group), and (3) active control (control group). There were two study hypotheses: 1) the participants in the 4-week intensive program (INT+MNT and INT-only group) would show reduced dementia risk scores compared to control; and 2) that the participants in the added 20-week maintenance program (INT+MNT group) would show greater improvement in dementia risk scores compared to the INT-only and control groups.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a multidomain intervention strategy involving intensive and maintenance programs aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in at-risk older adults. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial with participants assigned to three parallel programs: intensive plus maintenance (INT+MNT), intensive only (INT-only), and active control. SETTING: A community center for dementia in South Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) without dementia, but having several risk factors for AD. MEASUREMENTS: The study subjects participated in a 4-week intensive group-based lifestyle modification program that focused on physical activity, vascular risk factors, dietary habits, cognitive activities, and social engagement. Then, the participants underwent a 20-week maintenance program to consolidate modified habits. Linear mixed models were used to examine the changes in modified Australian National University-Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) scores in each group. Additional analyses of secondary outcomes, including cognitive function, were also performed.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Interventions

Active controlBEHAVIORAL

Control group received a personalized advice on lifestyle modification to prevent dementia and usual care of Community Center for Dementia.

Intensive + Maintenance programBEHAVIORAL

Both intensive and maintenance program 1. Intensive program The 4-week group-based intensive program was comprised of eight sessions; each session consisted of (1) a 30-min review of the tasks, (2) a 50-min training period, and (3) a 10-min meeting to assign tasks on an individual basis. A study nurse-guided training for modification of vascular risk factors, diet, cognitive and social activity were conducted, And, a physiotherapist conducted an exercise training mainly composed of muscle strengthening and stretching. 2. Maintenance program The allocated study assistants monthly check-up whether participants adhere to the altered habits or not, based on the workbook

Intensive program onlyBEHAVIORAL

Only the intensive program was conducted. The 4-week group-based intensive program was comprised of eight sessions; each session consisted of (1) a 30-min review of the tasks, (2) a 50-min training period, and (3) a 10-min meeting to assign tasks on an individual basis. A study nurse-guided training for modification of vascular risk factors, diet, cognitive and social activity were conducted, And, a physiotherapist conducted an exercise training mainly composed of muscle strengthening and stretching.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects aged 60 years and over with age-, sex-, education-adjusted z-score of the Korean version of mini-mental state examination for dementia screening (MMSE-DS) -1.5 standard deviation and above, but having some risk factors for dementia were included: at least two of following risk factors in a recent year (1) do not exercise with moderate degree more than 3 times a week, (2) do not read books, newspapers or magazine more than once a week; (3) do not meet friends, relatives, or close person more than once a week, (4) have depressed mood or low volition. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria were previously diagnosed with dementia or other neurologic disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease); stroke in a recent year or having significant sequelae of past stroke; major psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder) in a recent year; having absolute contraindication to participate in exercise program (e.g., need a wheelchair for mobility). Also, subjects who were already participated in other exercise or cognitive stimulating program in the Community Center for Dementia were excluded in the present study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes from baseline Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Index (ANU-ADRI) at 4 weeks and 24 week

The ANU-ADRI was developed based on review and meta-analysis of the literature regarding modifiable risk and protective factors for AD; it is a validated instrument assessing individual risk profiles for AD that combines the odds ratios of risk factors to derive a risk score. The total scores ranged from -18 to 63 for males, and from -18 to 66 for females; higher scores indicated greater risk for AD.