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An Intergenerational, Cognitively Enriched Intervention for MCI Patients and Their Children.

Not Applicable
Conditions
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Interventions
Other: No intervention, interviews with MCI patients as part of the development phase
Registration Number
NCT06221579
Lead Sponsor
University Ghent
Brief Summary

In 2018, approximately 50 million people received a diagnosis of dementia, which is projected to triple by 2050. To mitigate the increase in dementia, it is crucial to prevent cognitive decline in at risk groups, such as older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recent research has demonstrated that combining physical (PA) and cognitive activities yields positive effects on the cognitive health of older adults. However, it is essential to explore effective ways of implementing this approach for MCI patients as it may help prevent dementia. An intergenerational program offers a novel and innovative method to achieve this goal by involving both older and younger generations in a single (exercise) program aimed at promoting the health behavior of both groups. Engaging children in an intergenerational, cognitively enriched exercise program for MCI patients primarily benefits the older adults while also providing advantages for the adult children. Therefore, this intergenerational project serves as a valuable and motivating force to enhance the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health of MCI patients, with a secondary aim of positively impacting the adult children.

Phase 1 of this project (=current study) involves developing the intergenerational, cognitively enriched exercise program. This will be accomplished using a theoretical framework in combination with a co-creation approach, which actively involves MCI patients in the intervention development. Ten thinkaloud interviews (lasting approximately 2 hours) will be conducted with MCI patients and one of their adult children. The insights gained from these interviews will be used to adapt an existing exercise intervention for MCI patients according to their specific needs. Prior to the interview, participants will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire that collects basic demographic information.

Detailed Description

In 2018, approximately 50 million people received a diagnosis of dementia, which is projected to triple by 2050. To mitigate the increase in dementia, it is crucial to prevent cognitive decline in at risk groups, such as older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recent research has demonstrated that combining physical (PA) and cognitive activities yields positive effects on the cognitive health of older adults. However, it is essential to explore effective ways of implementing this approach for MCI patients as it may help prevent dementia.

An intergenerational program offers a novel and innovative method to achieve this goal by involving both older and younger generations in a single (exercise) program aimed at promoting the health behavior of both groups. Engaging children in an intergenerational, cognitively enriched exercise program for MCI patients primarily benefits the older adults while also providing advantages for the adult children. Therefore, this intergenerational project serves as a valuable and motivating force to enhance the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health of MCI patients, with a secondary aim of positively impacting the adult children.

Phase 1 of this project (=current study) involves developing the intergenerational, cognitively enriched exercise program. This will be accomplished using a theoretical framework in combination with a co-creation approach, which actively involves MCI patients in the intervention development. Ten thinkaloud interviews (lasting approximately 2 hours) will be conducted with MCI patients and one of their adult children. The insights gained from these interviews will be used to adapt an existing exercise intervention for MCI patients according to their specific needs. Prior to the interview, participants will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire that collects basic demographic information.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
15
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
InterviewNo intervention, interviews with MCI patients as part of the development phaseConducting interviews with MCI patients to identify their needs and preferences related to the intervention to be developed
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Needs Assessment in MCI Patients and Their Children based on Think Aloud Interviews2 hours

The interviews utilized a guide with "needs assessment cards" based on literature findings, addressing difficulties, motivators, and specific needs of MCI patients and their children. Participants were encouraged to use cards for relevance but had the freedom to express additional difficulties or motivators. Instructions provided clarity at the beginning of the card bundle. Collected data will be aggregated by categorizing responses from 'needs assessment cards' into themes, providing insights into common challenges, motivators, and specific needs. This streamlined analysis aids in identifying patterns and tailoring interventions for MCI patients and their children.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ghent University

🇧🇪

Ghent, Belgium

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