Personality Moderates Intervention Effects on Cognitive Function: A 6-Week Conversation-Based Intervention

Abstract Background and Objectives Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of dementia. We previously conducted and showed the efficacy of an intervention which uses conversation (the core component of social interactions) as a tool to enhance cognitive function. We now explore whether cognitive improvements through conversation-based intervention depend on an individual’s personality. Research Design and Methods We reexamined data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT01571427) to determine whether conversation-based intervention effects were moderated by personality traits in 83 older adults (mean age = 80.51 years, 49 cognitively intact, 34 individuals with mild cognitive impairment). The intervention group participated in daily 30-min face-to-face semi-structured conversations with trained interviewers through a web-enabled system for 6 weeks. At baseline, psychosocial questionnaires and a neuropsychological battery were completed. Results Intervention group participants with high agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion exhibited significant improvements in language-based executive function tasks beyond changes in the control group (ps < .05). An opposite pattern for delayed recall memory and working memory tasks emerged among highly extraverted participants (ps < .05). Discussion and Implications Our exploratory findings suggest the adaptive role of personality traits in conversation-based cognitive interventions may be limited to tasks incorporating a language component, and offer initial evidence for personalized approaches to cognitive health in late life.

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PERSONALITY MODERATES INTERVENTION EFFECTS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION: A 6-WEEK CONVERSATION-BASED INTERVENTION

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.828 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S225-S225

Author(s):

Eric S Cerino ◽

Karen Hooker ◽

Elena Goodrich ◽

Hiroko H Dodge

Keyword(s):

Personality Traits ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Neuropsychological Battery ◽

Intervention Effects ◽

Opposite Pattern ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Face To Face ◽

Positive Effects

Abstract Conversation-based interventions have positive effects on cognitive health, though determining who benefits most is still unclear, and individuals’ personality may play a role. We utilized data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial to determine if conversation-based intervention effects were moderated by personality traits in 83 older adults (Mean age = 80.51 years, 49 cognitively intact, 34 with mild cognitive impairment). The intervention group participated in daily 30-minute face-to-face semi-structured conversations with trained interviewers for six weeks. Baseline psychosocial questionnaires and a neuropsychological battery were completed. Intervention group participants with high agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion exhibited significantly more improvement in language-based executive function tasks compared to a control group (ps<.05). An opposite pattern for delayed recall memory and working memory tasks emerged among highly extraverted participants (ps<.05). Findings suggest the adaptive role of personality traits in conversation-based cognitive interventions and offer evidence for personalized approaches to cognitive health in late life.

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The feasibility and effects of virtual-reality motor-cognitive training in community-dwelling older people with cognitive frailty: A pilot randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28400 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rick Yiu Cho Kwan ◽

Justina Yat Wa Liu ◽

Kenneth Nai Kuen Fong ◽

Harry Qin ◽

Philip Kwok-Yuen Leung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Older People ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical Frailty ◽

Cognitive Frailty

BACKGROUND Cognitive frailty refers to the coexistence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment and is associated with many adverse health outcomes. While cognitive frailty is prevalent in older people, motor-cognitive training is effective at enhancing cognitive and physical function We propose a virtual reality (VR) simultaneous motor-cognitive training program, which allows older people to practice performing daily activities in a virtual space mimicking real environments. OBJECTIVE We aimed 1) to explore the feasibility of offering VR simultaneous motor-cognitive training to older people with cognitive frailty and 2) to compare its effects with an existing motor-cognitive training program in the community on the cognitive function and physical function of older people with cognitive frailty. METHODS A two-arm (1:1), assessor-blinded, parallel design, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was employed. The eligibility criteria for participants were: 1) age≥60 years, 2) community dwelling, and 3) with cognitive frailty. Those in the intervention group received cognitive training (i.e., cognitive games) and motor training (i.e., cycling on an ergometer) simultaneously on a VR platform, mimicking the daily living activities of older people. Those in the control group received cognitive training (i.e., cognitive games) on tablet computers and motor training (i.e., cycling on the ergometer) sequentially on a non-VR platform. Both groups received a 30-minute session twice a week for 8 weeks. Feasibility was measured by adherence, adverse outcomes, and successful learning. The outcomes were cognitive function, physical frailty level, and walking speed. RESULTS Seventeen participants were recruited and randomized into either the control group (n=8) or intervention group (n=9). At baseline, the median age was 74.0 years (IQR=9.5) and the median MoCA score was 20.0 (IQR=4.0). No significant between-group differences were found except in the number of chronic illnesses (P=0.043). At post-intervention, the intervention group (Z=-2.673, P=0.008) showed a significantly larger improvement in cognitive function than the control group (Z=-1.187, P=0.235). The reduction in physical frailty in the intervention group (Z=-1.730, P=0.084) was similar to that in the control group (Z=-1.890, P=0.059). The TUG-measured improvement in walking speed was moderate in the intervention group (Z=-0.159, P=0.110), and greater in the control group (Z=-2.521, P=0.012). The recruitment rate was acceptable (17/33, 51.5%). Both groups had a 100% attendance rate. The intervention group had a higher completion rate than the control group. Training was terminated for one participant (1/9, 11.1%) due to minimal VR sickness (VRSQ=18.3/100). Two participants (2/8, 25%) in the control group withdrew due to moderate leg pain. No injuries were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence that the VR simultaneous motor-cognitive training group experienced greater improvement in cognitive function than the control group, and reduced frailty and improved walking speed. VR training is feasible and safe for older people with cognitive frailty. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0446726

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Associations of Lifestyle Intervention Effect with Blood Pressure and Physical Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Americans with Hypertension in Southern California

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17165673 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (16) ◽

pp. 5673

Author(s):

Mei-Lan Chen ◽

Jie Hu ◽

Thomas P. McCoy ◽

Susan Letvak ◽

Luba Ivanov

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Lifestyle Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Intervention Effects

A healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity are highly recommended for older adults. However, there has been limited research into testing lifestyle intervention effects on physical activity in older adults with hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of lifestyle intervention effects with physical activity and blood pressure in older adults with hypertension, accounting for social support and perceived stress as control variables. This study performed a secondary analysis of a two-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 196 participants were randomly assigned to a six-month lifestyle intervention group or a control group. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that lifestyle intervention effects were not significantly associated with improvements in physical activity and blood pressure, but the final regression models were statistically significant (all p < 0.001). The result revealed that only physical activity frequency at baseline was significantly related to improvement in physical activity. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline and monthly income were significantly associated with change in SBP, while age and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at baseline were significantly related to change in DBP. The findings provide empirical evidence for developing and optimizing lifestyle interventions for future research and clinical practice in this population.

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Effects of a 12-week Avocado Randomized-controlled Trial on Cognitive Function and Lutein Status Among Adults with Overweight and Obesity (OR05-01-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz029.or05-01-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Caitlyn Edwards ◽

Anne Walk ◽

Sharon Thompson ◽

Ginger Reeser ◽

John Erdman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Selective Attention ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objectives Overweight and obesity affect over two-thirds of the US population. This is concerning, as excess adiposity increases risk for dementia in later life. Thus, it is important to elucidate dietary approaches that benefit cognition. Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid thought to impact cognitive function. Daily consumption of avocado has been shown to improve cognitive function and lutein status but it is not clear whether these benefits extend to populations with overweight and obesity. Thus, we evaluated the influence of daily avocado consumption on cognitive function, serum lutein concentrations, and retinal xanthophyll status among adults with overweight and obesity using a randomized-controlled study. Methods Adults (N = 72, 25–45 years, 31 males) with overweight or obesity (BMI 25 kg/m2) were randomized to an intervention group (N = 38) that received a daily meal with one avocado or a control group (N = 34) that received an isocaloric meal without avocado for 12 weeks. Fasting serum lutein concentrations were evaluated through high-performance liquid chromatography. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed through heterochromatic flicker photometry. Selective attention was assessed by a modified Flanker task. Results Group by time interactions were seen for serum lutein concentrations (P = 0.002) and flanker accuracy (P = 0.006) whereby the intervention group exhibited a more substantial increase in serum lutein concentrations (0.04 ug/ml; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.06) and overall task accuracy (2.4%; 95% CI, 0.4 to 4.5). However, there was no relationship between task performance and changes in serum lutein concentration (P = 0.23), nor changes in MPOD. Conclusions Daily consumption of a meal containing avocado improved selective attention and serum lutein concentrations among adults with overweight and obesity. The cognitive benefits of avocado consumption were apparent even prior to changes in retinal lutein status. Given that avocados are comprised of a variety of nutrients, additional work is necessary to determine non-carotenoid dependent mechanisms by which avocados may impact cognitive function. Funding Sources This work was supported by funds from the Hass Avocado Board, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project 1009249.

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Nursing students’ knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy in blended e-learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.2.10864/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Hyunjung Moon ◽

Hye Sun Hyun

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽

Online Education ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Face To Face ◽

Before And After ◽

E Learning

Abstract Background: Although various forms of online education are on the rise worldwide, effects of such innovative approach are yet to be validated. This study analyzes whether blended e-learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education that integrates e-learning and face-to-face education is effective in improving nursing students’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Methods: The participants of this study were 120 nursing students randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 60) or the control (n = 60). Differences before and after the education of each group were analyzed with a paired t-test, and the differences between the two groups were analyzed with ANCOVA with knowledge as the covariate. Results: The findings indicated that the intervention group had significantly higher knowledge, F(1,117) =595.78, p <.001, and emotional attitude, F(1,117) = 9.61, p = .002, about CPR than the control group. Conclusions: Blended e-learning CPR programs could be used as effective supplemental CPR education for nursing students.

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An Adjunctive Internet-Based Intervention to Enhance Treatment for Depression in Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/26814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. e26814

Author(s):

J Carola Pérez ◽

Olga Fernández ◽

Cristián Cáceres ◽

Álvaro E Carrasco ◽

Markus Moessner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Center ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Online Platform ◽

Face To Face ◽

Eq Vas

Background Internet-based interventions promise to enhance the accessibility of mental health care for a greater number of people and in more remote places. Their effectiveness has been shown for the prevention and treatment of various mental disorders. However, their potential when delivered as add-on to conventional treatment (ie, blended care) is less clear. Objective The aim of this study is to study the effectiveness of an internet intervention (ASCENSO) implemented in addition to face-to-face treatment as usual (TAU) for depression. Methods A 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in an outpatient private mental health care center in Chile. In all, 167 adults, diagnosed with major depressive disorder, without severe comorbidities, and with internet access, were included. Eighty-four participants were assigned to the intervention group and received medical and psychological TAU from the mental health center plus access to the ASCENSO online platform. The control group (n=83) received only TAU. The ASCENSO platform includes psycho-educational information, depressive symptom monitoring and feedback, and managing emergencies based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. Emergency management was mental health provider–assisted. TAU includes access to primary care physicians and psychiatrists, to a brief individual psychotherapy, and to medication when needed. The baseline questionnaires were administered in person, and 6- and 9-months assessments were conducted online. Depression symptoms and quality of life were measured by self-administered questionnaires, and treatment adherence was determined via the Mental Health Center’s internal records. The usage of ASCENSO was assessed by server logs. Reduction on depressive symptomatology was considered as the primary outcome of the intervention and quality of life as a secondary outcome. Results Of the 84 participants in the intervention group, 5 participants (6%) never accessed the online platform. Of the remaining 79 participants who accessed ASCENSO, 1 (1%, 1/79) did not answer any of the symptom questionnaire, and most participants (72/79, 91%) answered the monitoring questionnaires irregularly. The ASCENSO intervention implemented in addition to face-to-face care did not improve the outcome of the usual care delivered at the mental health center, either in terms of reduction of depressive symptoms (F2,6087= 0.48; P=.62) or in the improvement of quality of life (EQ-5D-3L: F2,7678=0.24; P=.79 and EQ-VAS: F2,6670= 0.13; P=.88). In contrast, for the primary (F2,850=78.25; P<.001) and secondary outcomes (EQ-5D-3L: F2,1067=37.87; EQ-VAS: F2,4390= 51.69; P<.001) in both groups, there was an improvement from baseline to 6 months (P<.001), but there was no change at 9 months. In addition, no effects on adherence to or use of TAU were found. Finally, the dropout rate for the face-to-face treatment component was 54% (45/84) for the intervention group versus 39% (32/83) for the control group (P=.07). Conclusions The fact that the adjunctive access to ASCENSO did not improve outcome could be due to both the rather high effectiveness of TAU and to patients’ limited use of the online platform. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03093467; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03093467

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“Body & Brain”: effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention on physical and cognitive function of adults with dementia - study protocol for a quasi-experimental controlled trial

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02104-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joana Carvalho ◽

Flávia Borges-Machado ◽

Duarte Barros ◽

Arnaldina Sampaio ◽

Inês Marques-Aleixo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability that was declared as one of the greatest health and social care challenges of the twenty-first century. Regular physical activity and exercise have been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy in disease prevention and management. Multicomponent Training (MT) combines aerobic, strength, balance and postural exercises and might be an effective training to improve both functional capacity and cognitive function in individuals with dementia (IwD). Nevertheless, data on the effects of MT in IwD are still limited and the extent to which IwD can retain improvements after an exercise intervention still needs to be elucidated. The aim of “Body & Brain” study is to investigate the effects of a 6-month MT intervention and 3-month detraining on the physical and cognitive function of IwD. Additionally, we aim to explore the impact of this intervention on psychosocial factors and physiologic markers related to dementia. Methods This study is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. The study sample consists of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years who are clinically diagnosed with dementia or major neurocognitive disorder. Participants will be either allocated into the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will participate in MT biweekly exercise sessions, whereas the control group will receive monthly sessions regarding physical activity and health-related topics for 6 months. The main outcomes will be physical function as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive function evaluated using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) at baseline, after 6-months and 3-months after the end of intervention. Secondary outcomes will be body composition, physical fitness, daily functionality, quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver’s burden. Cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurotrophic blood-based biomarkers, and arterial stiffness will also be evaluated in subsamples. Discussion If our hypothesis is correct, this project will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of MT training in improving physical and cognitive function and give insights about its impact on novel molecular biomarkers related to dementia. This project may also contribute to provide guidelines on exercise prescription for IwD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.

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Physical Telerehabilitation Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

10.3233/shti210752 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

In cheol Jeong ◽

Herbert Karpatkin ◽

Joseph Finkelstein

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Home Based

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of physical telerehabilitation on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in a randomized controlled trial. PwMS in both groups received home-based individualized exercise plan based on their physical therapy exam. PwMS in the intervention group were guided by a telerehabilitation system in following their exercise program on a daily basis whereas PwMS in the control group received periodic newsletters. Disease-specific QOL was assessed by MSQOL-54 survey at the baseline and the end of 3-month rehabilitation program. Among the MSQOL sub-scales, the mean sub-score values for pain and cognitive function in control and intervention groups were significantly different as demonstrated by one-way ANOVA (pain: F = 4.301, p = 0.044, cognitive function: F = 5.053, p = 0.030). Our results demonstrated positive effects of physical telerehabilitation on MS symptoms and QOL. Development of further approaches promoting continuous participation in telerehabilitation in PwMS is warranted.

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Abstract 20100: Parental Presence at Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Bedside Transfer Rounds Reduces Parental Anxiety: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.20100 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Vijay Anand ◽

Elina Williams ◽

Mohamed Elgendi ◽

Leanne Meakins ◽

Chentel Cunningham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Medication Errors ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Parental Anxiety ◽

Cardiac Intensive Care Unit ◽

Parental Presence ◽

Face To Face ◽

Cardiac Intensive Care

Introduction: The transfer of children from the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) to the ward is a time of great anxiety for the parents of children and medical vulnerability for children who are receiving complex therapies. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that parental presence at bedside transfer rounds would reduce parental anxiety and improve patient safety following transfer of children from PCICU to the ward. Methods: We undertook a randomized controlled trial of children discharged from the PCICU to the ward. Consenting parents were randomized to be absent (control group) or present (intervention group) at multidisciplinary face to face bedside transfer rounds. The primary outcome measure was parental stress measured by the validated Spielberger’s State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) pre and post transfer. Secondary outcome measures included unplanned readmission to the PCICU, medication errors and emergency calls to the ward. We excluded patients being transferred between intensive care units. Results: We enrolled 230 subjects (control group n=93, intervention group n=91, failed to complete study n= 46). The 2 groups were matched with respect to gender (male 46% control vs 54% intervention), age (median age control 1.9 yrs (range 0.02 to 16.3) vs intervention 0.9 (0.02 to 17), parental age 32 yrs (18-64) vs 33 (20-60), parental years of schooling 15.5 years ( 7-26) vs 15 (9-24), presence of medical co-morbidities (33% each group). There was significantly greater reduction in trait (p=0.004, state (p=0.01) and total anxiety (p=0.0012) pre and post transfer in the intervention group vs the control group. There were no differences in minor medication errors (36 vs 33), unplanned PCICU re-admissions (11 vs 12) and emergency ward calls(7 vs 8) Conclusions: Parental presence at face to face multidisciplinary transfer rounds from the PCICU is associated with reduced parental anxiety without change in medication errors, readmission rates or emergency calls to the ward. Reduced parental anxiety may improve parental satisfaction with their child’s care.

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Promoting the Community's Ability to Detect and Respond to Suicide Risk Through an Online Bystander Intervention Model-Informed Tool

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000708 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Karien Hill ◽

Shawn Somerset ◽

Ralf Schwarzer ◽

Carina Chan

Keyword(s):

Suicide Prevention ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Bystander Intervention ◽

Self Report ◽

Innovative Technology ◽

Control Group ◽

Intervention Model ◽

Standard Material

Abstract. Background: The public health sector has advocated for more innovative, technology-based, suicide prevention education for the community, to improve their ability to detect and respond to suicide risk. Emerging evidence suggests addressing the bystander effect through the Bystander Intervention Model (BIM) in education material may have potential for suicide prevention. Aims: The current study aimed to assess whether BIM-informed tools can lead to improved readiness, confidence and intent in the community to detect and respond to suicide risk in others. Method: A sample of 281 adults recruited from the community participated in a randomized controlled trial comprising a factsheet designed according to the BIM (intervention group) and a standard factsheet about suicide and mental health (control group). Participants' self-reported detecting and responding to suicide risk readiness, confidence, and intent when presented with a suicidal peer was tested pre- and postintervention and compared across time and between groups. Results: The intervention group had significantly higher levels of detecting and responding to suicide risk readiness, confidence, and intent than the control group at postintervention (all p < .001) with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Limitations: The study was limited by a homogenous sample, too low numbers at follow-up to report, and self-report data only. Conclusion: This study demonstrates BIM-informed suicide prevention training may enhance the community's intervention readiness, confidence, and intent better than current standard material. Further testing in this area is recommended. While results were statistically significant, clinical significance requires further exploration.

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