Abstract Details

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a health coaching intervention with mobile health technology in older adults with MCI or risk factors for dementia.

Participants (target sample 45), age 60-79, with MCI or dementia risk factors are being randomized to two groups:  The Brain Health Champion (BHC) intervention or a counseling and education (CE) control. BHC participants work with health coaches over 6 months to set personalized goals, reinforced by weekly video calls, mobile messaging, consultation with a dietitian, and 30-minute in-person or virtual visits every six weeks. In CE, usual care is supplemented with educational materials sent every six weeks. Changes over the six-month intervention in physical activity, diet, cognition, and social/cognitive activities are being measured using validated questionnaires, wearable fitness trackers, and photographed food logs.

To date, twenty BHC and eighteen CE participants have completed the study.All participants successfully operated the mobile technology. All BHC participants had increased scores on neuropsychological tests (PACC), social/cognitive activities, and photographed dietary adherence compared to CE. Increased quality of life and physical activity was reported in both groups (60% BHC vs 40% CE). Participation in the study was significantly associated with increased self-reported Mediterranean diet adherence.

Preliminary data suggests that both BHC and CE are feasible and encouraging for adopting Brain-healthy behaviors in patients with MCI and dementia risk. BHC group demonstrated more social/cognitive activities and adherence to Mediterranean diet. These strategies may become essential tools to prevent further cognitive decline in these vulnerable populations.