Dementia incidence is rising, posing a public health challenge, but 45% of cases can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors. Multidomain trials show that lifestyle changes can improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk (like the FINGER trial). The REMINDER program, a Portuguese-based dementia risk reduction protocol, was developed for community-dwelling older adults aged 55 and above. However, older adults in Residential and Daycare Facilities (RDF) have distinct needs that demand program adaptation to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. In addition, more studies are needed to evaluate the impact of multidomain interventions with older adults in RDF. To address these challenges, the REMINDER4Care program was developed as a tailored, multidomain intervention to reduce dementia risk. It emphasizes social and cognitive engagement and advances its adaptation and evaluation in Residential and Daycare Facilities (RDF). To assess efficacy, the investigators will perform a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
100
REMINDER4Care was an adapted version of the original REMINDER program, tailored to the characteristics, needs, and interests of older adults in RDF. The REMINDER4Care intervention includes 20 face-to-face group sessions, each approximately 60 to 75 minutes, held twice a week over ten weeks. This program aims to optimize memory, attention, executive function, and emotional regulation while promoting lifestyle habits that protect the aging brain. The sessions include brain health education, cognitive exercises, compensatory memory strategies, training for managing personally relevant goals (with goal setting), and stress management techniques (compassion-based therapies, relaxation methods, and mindfulness). Social support and emotion regulation strategies (like attention management, positive cognitive reappraisal, and reframing speech) were included to address psychosocial risk factors like stress, social isolation, and depression.
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences
Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal
RECRUITINGScreening
Participants' sociodemographic (e.g., age, marital status, education level) and clinical (presence of medical diagnosis, current medication, sensory issues, mobility deficits, substance use, and hospitalization).
Time frame: Screening
Screening
Dementia risk was assessed using the Lifestyle for BRAin health (LIBRA) score, which ranges from -2.1 to 10.6, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of developing dementia.
Time frame: Screening
Cognitive status
Global cognition was assessed using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - Revised (ACE-R), a scale with scores ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning.
Time frame: Screening and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Mood status
Depressive Symptoms: Assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30), a 30-item scale with scores ranging from 0 to 30, where higher scores indicate greater depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Screening and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Cognitive status
Processing Speed: Evaluated with the Symbol Search subtest of the WAIS-III, scored by correct responses within a time limit, with higher scores representing faster processing speed.
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Cognitive status
Verbal Initiative: Measured with the Verbal Fluency Test (letters M, R, and alternate category), scored by the number of correct words produced, with higher scores indicating greater verbal initiative.
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Perceived social isolation and loneliness
Loneliness: Measured with the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA LS-3), the score was 20 to 80, with higher scores reflecting greater perceived loneliness.
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Perceived social network
Social Networks: Evaluated using Lubben's Brief Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), scored from 0 to 30, where higher scores indicate a stronger social network.
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Functionality status
Functional abilities: This is measured using the IAFAI (Informant Assessment of Functioning in Aging and Intellectual Disabilities).
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
Perceived quality of life
Psychological Well-Being: Assessed using the EBEP-R is a short version of the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Higher scores on the EBEP-R indicate better psychological well-being.
Time frame: Baseline and 1-week and 3-months post-intervention
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