Clinical Research Directory

Digitally Supported Lifestyle Programme to Promote Brain Health Among Older Adults

Sponsor: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

Summary

Previous research has shown that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, physical and social activity, and management of vascular risk factors can support both cardiovascular and brain health. In a landmark Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER), a multimodal lifestyle programme had clear benefits on older adults' cognition, functioning, and quality of life. The LETHE study utilises novel technologies and digital tools to deliver an optimised and more personalised FINGER-type multimodal lifestyle intervention. A total of 160 digitally skilled older adults (age 60-77) with risk factors for dementia but without substantial cognitive impairment will be recruited in Austria, Finland, Italy, and Sweden. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the structured ICT-assisted multimodal lifestyle program (intervention group) or a self-guided lifestyle program (control group). Duration of the study and the intervention is 24 months. The multimodal lifestyle program covers the following domains: physical activity, nutrition, cognitive activity, vascular risk management, social interaction, sleep, and relaxation. The structured intervention program follows a hybrid model where regular in-person, individual and group-based intervention activities led by professionals are supported with activities in the LETHE mobile phone application. The self-guided (control) group receives relevant health advice and is recommended and encouraged to independently implement healthy lifestyle changes that are suitable and fit in with their daily routine. Control group will have access to a simplified version of the LETHE app without any structured, scheduled activities or personalized content. The primary objective of the LETHE trial is to test the feasibility of a digitally supported multimodal lifestyle program (i.e., retention rate, adherence to intervention), and assess change in dementia risk based on validated risk scores (CAIDE, LIBRA). Other objectives include testing the intervention effects on lifestyle and risk factors, cognition, function, health-related quality of life, health literacy, physical functioning, and dementia-related biomarkers. To this aim, a range of personal, lifestyle, and health-related data will be collected both actively and passively with the help of digital devices. Attitudes towards digital tools and experiences of trial participation will also be explored.

Official title: Digitally Supported Lifestyle Programme to Promote Brain Health Among Older Adults - the LETHE Pilot Trial

Key Details

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Interventions

Locations (4)