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A randomized controlled trial of a Functioning Improvement Tool home-visit program and its effect on cognitive
Shigekazu Ukawa1, Hiroki Satoh, Motoyuki Yuasa
1Department of Public Health Sciences, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|July 6, 2011
Summary
The Functioning Improvement Tool (FIT) home-visit program significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in older adults. This intervention was particularly effective for individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Health
- Preventive Care
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Home-visit programs offer a potential avenue for supporting cognitive function in older adults.
- The Functioning Improvement Tool (FIT) aims to enhance daily living capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 3-month FIT home-visit program on cognitive function in older adults.
- To determine if the FIT program leads to improvements in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.
- To identify specific subgroups of older adults who benefit most from the FIT intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 252 participants aged 65+.
- Intervention group received a 60-minute FIT home visit for 3 months; control group received no intervention.
- Cognitive function assessed using MMSE, with analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline scores, age, and sex.
Main Results:
- The FIT program resulted in a significant improvement in MMSE scores compared to the control group (0.8 vs. -0.1, p=0.04).
- Improvements were most pronounced in participants with mild cognitive decline (MMSE scores 18-23).
- Baseline MMSE scores were comparable between groups, ensuring valid comparisons.
Conclusions:
- The FIT home-visit program effectively enhances cognitive function in older adults.
- The intervention demonstrates particular benefit for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
- This study supports the use of targeted home-visit programs for maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.
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