scholarly journals Protocol for the Reducing Fear-Avoidance of Memory Loss (REFRAME) Study: A randomized controlled trial investigating the feasibility of a low-intensity psychological intervention for fear of memory loss and quality of life in older adults. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia O'Loughlin ◽  
Pavithra Pavithra ◽  
John Regan ◽  
Francesca Farina ◽  
Marc Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Behavioral Avoidance

BACKGROUND Dementia is the most feared disease associated with aging. These fears can have harmful consequences even in the absence of cognitive decline. Fear of dementia is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced psychological wellbeing and increased memory failures in older adults. OBJECTIVE We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of a tailored, web-based mindfulness program to reduce fear of memory loss and increase quality of life in older adults experiencing heightened fear. METHODS One group will receive psychoeducation along with brief mindfulness training, which facilitates non-judgmental awareness to manage psychological distress. A second group will receive psychoeducation, mindfulness training and additional modules targeting maladaptive behavioral avoidance (i.e., social and cognitive withdrawal). RESULTS Our recent etiological model posits that maladaptive behavioral avoidance strategies critically underlie psycho-social dysfunction associated with fear of memory loss. Thus, we predict better outcomes in the second group, including fear of memory loss (primary outcome), fear of Alzheimer’s disease, quality of life, anxiety and subjective memory failures (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures will be applied at five time points (pre-, baseline, interim-, and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow up). CONCLUSIONS Data will be analyzed using mixed models, correlations and t-tests. This study was approved by the IRB at Northwestern University (USA) and data collection will take place between May and August 2021. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration Number: NCT04821960

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Individual Reminiscence Therapy on Cognition, Mood and Quality of Life in Azorean Older Adults with Neurocognitive Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5395
Author(s):  
Susana I. Justo-Henriques ◽  
Enrique Pérez-Sáez ◽  
João L. Alves Apóstolo ◽  
Janessa O. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a form of cognitive stimulation therapy that incorporates discussion of past activities, events, and experiences to stimulate individual memories; it has had some success in treating persons with neurocognitive disorders. This research aims to evaluate the ability of individual RT, using a simple reminiscence format, to improve the overall cognitive function, memory, executive functions, emotional status, and quality of life in older adults with neurocognitive disorders who received social care and support services. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was completed in the Azores archipelago (an independent region of Portugal) using repeated measures (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up). The intervention group underwent individual RT sessions, twice weekly for 13 weeks, while the control group completed regular activities administered as part of their program. Results did not reveal any significant differences between the intervention and control groups. While results did not reveal significant effects, a number of historical and contextual factors are considered as possible explanations for the lack of effects—namely, data collection occurring during the COVID-19 global pandemic, participant cohort effects, and therapist heterogeneity.

scholarly journals Examining the benefits and harms of Alzheimer’s disease screening for family members of older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Fowler ◽  
Katherine J. Head ◽  
Anthony J. Perkins ◽  
Sujuan Gao ◽  
Christopher M. Callahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Multiple national expert panels have identified early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as a national priority. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not currently support screening for ADRD in primary care given that the risks and benefits are unknown. The USPSTF stresses the need for research examining the impact of ADRD screening on family caregiver outcomes. Methods The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) is a randomized controlled trial that will examine the potential benefits or harms of ADRD screening on family caregivers. It will also compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening. COADS will enroll 1,800 dyads, who will be randomized into three groups (n=600/group): Screening Only group will receive ADRD screening at baseline with disclosure of the screening results and a list of local resources for diagnostic follow-up; Screening Plus, ADRD screening at baseline coupled with disclosure of the screening results, with positive screen participants referred to a dementia collaborative care program for diagnostic evaluation and potential care; and Control, no screening. The COADS trial will measure the family member quality of life (primary outcome) and family member mood, anxiety, preparedness, and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Additionally, the trial will examine the congruence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between older adults and family members at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening between the two groups randomized to screening (Screening Only versus Screening Plus). Discussion We hypothesize that caregivers in the screening arms will express higher levels of health-related quality of life, lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, and better preparation for caregiving with higher self-efficacy at 24 months. Results from this study will directly inform the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, the USPSTF and other organizations regarding ADRD screening and early detection policies.

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