Chronic disease risk reduction in older adults with high dementia risk: CogCoach trial

Scheme: 2023 MRFF Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles

We aim to reduce lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease in older adults who are in the preclinical stages of dementia - that is, adults who experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but do not yet have significant cognitive impairment. We propose a multidomain lifestyle intervention called ‘CogCoach’ to be implemented as a randomised controlled trial. CogCoach provides education about dementia and brain health and targets physical activity, diet, and cognitive activity with practical interventions using behaviour change
strategies. It lasts 12 weeks and is followed by two booster sessions. The entire study is conducted remotely using either video or phone assessments, e-learning modules and telehealth or video consultations with allied health professionals. After the intervention, we will follow-up participants with assessments at 3, 6 and 12 months conducted by masked assessors. The comparison group will receive health education which is the standard comparator in this field. The primary outcome of our study will be a composite risk score for dementia that includes measures of physical activity, diet and cognitive engagement, as well as chronic conditions. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, quality of life, dementia literacy, and individual lifestyle components. We will also
evaluate acceptability of the intervention to consumers and cost effectiveness. The project is important because doctors and other health professionals do not currently have any interventions to which they can refer people with SCD or MCI. We have worked with consumers through the development of this intervention to ensure the intervention meets their needs. We will continue to work with consumers and stakeholders throughout to ensure we address their priorities and any potential barriers to implementation.