A Study on the Effectiveness of Multidomain Intervention Program for Reducing Risks of Dementia

Investigators aimed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a multidomain intervention strategy involving intensive and maintenance programs aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in at-risk older adults. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: (1) intensive plus maintenance program (INT+MNT group), (2) intensive program only (INT-only group), and (3) active control (control group). There were two study hypotheses: 1) the participants in the 4-week intensive program (INT+MNT and INT-only group) would show reduced dementia risk scores compared to control; and 2) that the participants in the added 20-week maintenance program (INT+MNT group) would show greater improvement in dementia risk scores compared to the INT-only and control groups.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a multidomain intervention strategy involving intensive and maintenance programs aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in at-risk older adults.

DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial with participants assigned to three parallel programs: intensive plus maintenance (INT+MNT), intensive only (INT-only), and active control.

SETTING: A community center for dementia in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) without dementia, but having several risk factors for AD.

MEASUREMENTS: The study subjects participated in a 4-week intensive group-based lifestyle modification program that focused on physical activity, vascular risk factors, dietary habits, cognitive activities, and social engagement. Then, the participants underwent a 20-week maintenance program to consolidate modified habits. Linear mixed models were used to examine the changes in modified Australian National University-Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) scores in each group. Additional analyses of secondary outcomes, including cognitive function, were also performed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects aged 60 years and over with age-, sex-, education-adjusted z-score of the Korean version of mini-mental state examination for dementia screening (MMSE-DS) -1.5 standard deviation and above, but having some risk factors for dementia were included: at least two of following risk factors in a recent year (1) do not exercise with moderate degree more than 3 times a week, (2) do not read books, newspapers or magazine more than once a week; (3) do not meet friends, relatives, or close person more than once a week, (4) have depressed mood or low volition.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion criteria were previously diagnosed with dementia or other neurologic disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease); stroke in a recent year or having significant sequelae of past stroke; major psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder) in a recent year; having absolute contraindication to participate in exercise program (e.g., need a wheelchair for mobility). Also, subjects who were already participated in other exercise or cognitive stimulating program in the Community Center for Dementia were excluded in the present study.