The goal of this interventional non-pharmacological study is to investigate the effects of a multi-domain intervention ( "active intervention"), compared to that followed by normal clinical practice ("self-guided intervention"), in older adults. The primary objective is whether these interventions can prevent functional and cognitive decline in at-risk subjects. The multi-domain interventions will include physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet-based nutritional plan, cognitive training, regular medical check-ups, oral hygiene treatments and counseling, monitoring and counseling on visual and auditory abilities, counseling on sleep hygiene and treatment, control of cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious risk factors, adjustment of drug therapy, suggestions for improving social interactions.
The study is multicentric and will include 10 centers. Patients will be enrolled either through their General Practitioners (GPs), which will then refer back to their reference centers, or through the centers themselves. Patients will undergo a screening visit, which will include a multi-faceted evaluation of cognitive function, physical and functional efficiency, and cardiovascular and cognitive decline risk factors. Procedures to be carried out during the screening visit include: * Collection of socio-demographic data (age, sex, marital status, cohabitation, level of education, social interactions), clinical details (medical and medication history), and evaluation of inclusion/exclusion criteria * Assessment of the degree of frailty through the Primary Care Frailty Index (PC-FI) * Assessment of the presence of increased risk of developing dementia through the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) score * Assessment of cognitive performance through the General Practitioner assessment of COGnition (GPCOG) * Assessment of cognitive performance through the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test - immediate * Assessment of functional status by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests * Nonverbal interference tests * Assessment of cognitive performance through the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning online version (RAVL-T delayed) * Collection of self-administered scales for cognitive performance assessment through the Test Your Memory - Italian (TYM-I) scale. Then, eligible patients will be enrolled for the second, active intervention phase of the study, which will include a baseline visit and 3 follow-up visits, at 6, 12, and 18 months. During these visits, primary and secondary endpoint outcomes will be collected according to protocol.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,340
The objectives of the dietary intervention will be in accordance with the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Weekly menus will be provided that ensure a balanced intake of the various nutrients, according to the objectives outlined in the study protocol, including a reduction in saturated fatty acids (with proportionately more mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids), promotion of fiber sources and reduction of sugars, adequate protein and micronutrient intake. They will be accompanied by specific dietary patterns that can be individualized based on weight, comorbidities and personal preferences. The need for weight loss or gain will be assessed on an individual basis. Dietary interventions will include group and individual sessions, and will be conducted by dietitians and nutritionists in a harmonized manner among the centers. The first meeting will be in-person and will be held at the subject's clinical center of enrollment. Follow-up will be conducted through online meetings.
The physical activity protocol will be geared to the principles of progressive and individualized loading, in group sessions supervised by a physical therapist within gyms for the strength and balance training portion, and in moderate to intense aerobic activities based on individual preferences and characteristics. The physiotherapist will conduct an individual assessment and develop personalized programs for all participants. Exercise sessions will be held 2-3 times a week.
Participants will be evaluated through a Cognitive and Psychological Assessment, which will allow measurement of each participant's cognitive functioning and well-being. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) using Brain HeadQuarter (BrainHQ) or similar software will be used as a cognitive intervention. The CCT includes game-based adaptive exercises that target attention, intelligence, memory, navigation, processing speed and social skills. The training will consist of 72 sessions for 24 weeks (about six months), at least three times a week.
Participants will be referred for evaluation at dental hygiene offices. As part of the study, participants will also undergo anticholinergic burden calculation, screening for risk factors for oral diseases (smoking, alcohol), and reduction in the frequency of sugar intake through dietary intervention will be sought. Participants will also undergo the Oral Health Assessment Tool rating scale.
During the visits, participants' sleep will be assessed, either by clinical interview or by scales. Participants will also have the opportunity to assess their own sleep via wearable devices. If sleep hygiene issues are detected, advice based on currently available scientific evidence will be provided. If, on the other hand, a suspicion of sleep disorders, including, for example, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, or Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep disorder, is raised from the medical history, participants will be referred to the relevant specialists for diagnosis and treatment of such problems.
Measurements of blood pressure, weight, BMI, abdominal circumference, and advice on health promotion and healthy lifestyle will be provided. Recommendations on adherence to the Piano Nazionale di Prevenzione Vaccinale (PNPV) will also be provided.
Evaluation of prescriptive appropriateness (STOP\&START and Beers criteria) and calculation of anticholinergic burden (ACB calculator) will be carried out by a geriatrician, with rationalization of therapy and, where possible, de-prescribing.
To encourage socialization, proposed activities will be carried out as much as possible in groups of 10-12 people, and outdoor group activities will be suggested on a biweekly basis (e.g., walks in parks). On a monthly basis, the nurse and psychologist will organize motivational and check-up meetings (in recreation centers/via telematics) in order to promote adherence to the protocol, collect questions and stimulate participants. Social activity will also be implemented in the context of all interventions, for example through: * Physical activity in groups or pairs, including dance or choir activities where possible * Opportunities for further cognitive stimulation in groups through games (e.g., chess, cards, etc.) * Proposal to cook, eat or shop together * Group sessions with dietitian
Subjects in the control group will receive regular health advice in the same domains as the intervention group, via dedicated app and/or access to the dedicated portal on the Age-It website. Such advice and information will be timed to encourage adherence. In addition, participants randomized to the self-guided intervention will receive an initial counseling session of 30-60 minutes on all domains covered by the study, where guidelines for healthy diet, physical and cognitive activity, benefits of social activity, information on cardiovascular risk factors, as well as sleep, oral hygiene will be explained. Subjects will therefore be treated as per normal clinical practice, albeit with the help of dedicated apps and counseling session.
Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori
Monza, Italy
RECRUITINGModified Neuropsychological Test Battery (mNTB) score
Participants will be scored through the mNTB to assess their cognitive state at baseline and cognitive changes at follow-ups. The mNTB score is a composite score for a battery of 14 tests total. The outcome measure is a z-score, it has no minimum or maximum value. A higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6 follow up, Month 12 follow up, and Month 18 follow up. The tests take around 90 minutes overall.
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score
Minimum score: 0, maximum score: 12, a higher score means a better performance.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Day 0 Screening visit, at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
4-m gait speed test - time
Time needed to walk 4 meters (in seconds). A higher time means a worse performance.
Time frame: The test will be repeated at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
4-m gait speed test - speed
Walking speed (in meters per second). A higher speed means a better performance.
Time frame: The test will be repeated at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Hand grip test
Hand grip strength measured (in kilograms) with a hand dynamometer. A higher result means a better performance.
Time frame: The test will be repeated at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index score
Minimum score: 0, maximum score: 6, a higher score means a better performance.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Day 0 Screening visit, at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups..
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale score
Minimum score: 0, maximum score: 8, a higher score means a better performance.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Day 0 Screening visit, at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Barthel Index score
Minimum score: 0, maximum score: 100, a higher score means a better performance.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14) score
Minimum score: 14, maximum score: 98, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at baseline, at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Number of falls taken
A higher number of falls means a worse outcome.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years.
Number of hospital admissions
A higher number of hospital admissions means a worse outcome.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years.
Number of visits to general practitioner
The number does not indicate a better or worse outcome. It is only informative.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years.
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score
Minimum: 0, maximum: 15, a higher score indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) score
Minimum: 20, maximum: 80, a higher score indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) score
Minimum: 0, maximum: 110, a higher score indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Physical Health
Minimum: 0, maximum: 100, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Psychological Health
Minimum: 0, maximum: 100, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Social Relationships
Minimum: 0, maximum: 100, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Environment
Minimum: 0, maximum: 100, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Quality of Life
Minimum: 1, maximum: 5, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
World Health Organization Quality Of Life Questionnaire - Brief (WHO-QOL-Brief) score - Health Satisfaction
Minimum: 1, maximum: 5, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score
Minimum: 0, maximum: 21, a higher score means a worse outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score
Minimum: 0, maximum: 14, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDScale) score
Minimum: 0, maximum: 9, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Framingham Risk Score
Measured in percentage %, 0-100%. A higher percentage indicates a higher cardiovascular risk (worse outcome).
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) score
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) score
Minimum: 45, maximum: 315, a higher score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Number of incidental diagnoses of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia, according to National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria
A higher number means a worse outcome.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 years.
Composite score of processing speed and attention
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Composite score of executive functions
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Composite memory score
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Composite language score
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
Composite score of general cognitive assessment
z-score without a maximum or minimum value, a higher z-score means a better outcome.
Time frame: The score will be taken at Baseline visit (Day 0 of second phase, which should be indicatively within 30 days of Screening visit), at Month 6, Month 12, and Month 18 follow-ups.
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