[P3-566]: IMPROVING BRAIN HEALTH THROUGH AN ONLINE LIFESTYLE PROGRAM: PREFERENCES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE

Background: Online programs targeting lifestyle have the potential to benefit brain health. We aimed to develop such a program for individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). These individuals were reported to be at increased risk for dementia, and report both an intrinsic need for brain health information and motivation to participate in prevention strategies. Co-creation and user-evaluation benefits the adherence to and acceptance of online programs. Previously, we developed a prototype of the online program in co-creation with the users . Objectives: We now aimed to evaluate the user-experiences of our online lifestyle program for brain health. Design: 30-day user test; multi-method. Setting: Participants were recruited in a memory clinic and (online) research registries in the Netherlands (Alzheimer Center Amsterdam) and Germany (Center for memory disorders, Cologne). Participants: Individuals with SCD (N=137, 65±9y, 57% female). Measurements: We assessed user-experiences quantitatively with rating daily advices and usefulness, satisfaction and ease of use questionnaires as well as qualitatively using telephone interviews. Results: Quantitative data showed that daily advices were rated moderately useful (3.5 ±1.5, range 1-5 points). Participants (n=101, 78%) gave moderate ratings on the programs’ usability (3.7±1.3, max 7), ease of learning (3.6±1.9) and satisfaction (4.0±1.5), and marginal ratings on the overall usability (63.7±19.0, max 100). Qualitative data collected during telephone interviews showed that participants highly appreciated the content of the program. They elaborated that lower ratings of the program were mainly due to technical issues that hindered a smooth walk through. Participants reported that the program increased awareness of lifestyle factors related to brain health. Conclusions: Overall user-experience of the online lifestyle program was moderate to positive. Qualitative data showed that content was appreciated and that flawless, easy access technique is essential. The heterogeneity in ratings of program content and in program use highlights the need for personalization. These findings support the use of online self-applied lifestyle programs when aiming to reach large groups of motivated at-risk individuals for brain health promotion.

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Compensatory and Lifestyle-Based Brain Health Program for Subjective Cognitive Decline: Self-Implementation versus Coaching

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11101306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1306

Author(s):

Harris Liou ◽

Cynthia M. Stonnington ◽

Amit A. Shah ◽

Skye A. Buckner-Petty ◽

Dona E. C. Locke

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Program Implementation ◽

Health Program ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Implementation Strategies ◽

Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽

Control Group ◽

Brain Health ◽

Memory Support

Although recent studies have explored the potential of multidomain brain health programs, there is a dearth of literature on operationalizing this research to create a clinical treatment program specifically for subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Patients seen by geriatricians in primary care and by behavioral neurology services at our institution presenting with SCD were recruited via a patient-appropriate flyer. After all participants had a 1-h brain health consultation with a neuropsychologist and were provided with program materials, they were randomized to attend a 10-week intervention designed to support program implementation (N = 10) or the control group of implementing the program on their own (N = 11). The program included (1) a calendar-based executive and memory support system for compensatory training and (2) training in healthy lifestyle. There were no significant differences between groups for any outcomes. Participants across both groups showed significant improvements with moderate effect sizes in compensatory strategy use, anxiety symptoms, and daily functioning, which were sustained through 6-month follow-up. They also increased physical activity by the end of the intervention period but did not sustain this through 6-month follow-up. Our pilot study demonstrates preliminary feasibility of a cognitive compensatory and lifestyle-based brain health program. Additional research is recommended to further develop two potentially scalable implementation strategies—coaching and self-implementation after brief consultation.

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Wishes and preferences for an online lifestyle program for brain health—A mixed methods study

Alzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions ◽

10.1016/j.trci.2018.03.003 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 141-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Linda M.P. Wesselman ◽

Ann‐Katrin Schild ◽

Nina Coll‐Padros ◽

Wieke E. Borg ◽

Judith H.P. Meurs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Brain Health ◽

Lifestyle Program ◽

Online Lifestyle

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Incorporating a Usual Care Comparator into a Study of Meditation and Music Listening for Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Feasibility Trial

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports ◽

10.3233/adr-200249 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 187-206

Author(s):

Kim E. Innes ◽

Caitlin Montgomery ◽

Terry Kit Selfe ◽

Sijin Wen ◽

Dharma Singh Khalsa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Usual Care ◽

Active Treatment ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽

Care Group ◽

Music Listening ◽

Brain Health ◽

Treatment Expectancies

Background: Recent studies suggest meditation and music listening (ML) may improve cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). However, lack of a usual care group has limited conclusions. Objective: To assess the: 1) feasibility of incorporating an enhanced usual care (EUC) comparator in a trial of Kirtan Kriya meditation (KK) and ML for adults experiencing SCD; and 2) preliminary effects of active treatment (KK/ML) versus an EUC program. Methods: Forty participants with SCD were randomized 1:1:2 to a 12-week KK, ML, or EUC program. KK and ML participants were asked to practice 12 minutes/day; EUC participants were given a comprehensive educational packet regarding healthy aging and strategies for improving/maintaining brain health and asked to record any activities or strategies used. Feasibility was assessed using measures of retention, adherence, treatment expectancies, and participant satisfaction, as well as information from exit questionnaires and daily practice/activity logs. Cognitive functioning, stress, mood, sleep-quality, and health-related quality of life (QOL) were measured pre- and post-intervention using well-validated instruments. Results: Thirty-two participants (80%) completed the 3-month study, with retention highest in the EUC group (p < 0.05). Active treatment participants averaged 6.0±0.4 practice sessions/week, and EUC participants, 7.5±0.6 brain health activities/week. Treatment expectancies were similar across groups. EUC participants indicated high satisfaction with the program and study. Despite limited study power, the active treatment group showed significantly greater gains in subjective memory functioning (ps≤0.025) and nonsignificant improvements in cognitive performance (TMT-B), perceived stress, QOL, and mood (ps≤0.08) compared to the EUC group. Conclusion: Findings of this pilot feasibility trial suggest incorporation of an EUC program is feasible, and that participation in a simple 12-week relaxation program may be helpful for adults with SCD versus engagement in an EUC program.

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