My Mind Project: the effects of cognitive training for elderly-the study protocol of a prospective randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive decline and dementia pose significant public health challenges, impacting social functioning and independence.
• Developing new strategies to support patients and caregivers is crucial for managing these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the "My Mind Project" protocol, evaluating a comprehensive cognitive training program's effects on elderly individuals.
• The study targets participants with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and normal cognitive functioning.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized intervention study involving 321 elderly participants in Italy.
• Participants were assigned to either an experimental or control group.
• Cognitive performance and blood markers were assessed at baseline, immediately post-training, and at 6 months and 2 years follow-up.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to yield results useful for identifying effective cognitive enhancement programs.
• Analysis will compare cognitive performances and biochemical markers between groups over time.

Conclusions:

• Findings will help identify effective cognitive training programs for the elderly, with or without cognitive decline.
• A non-pharmacological approach like cognitive training could significantly benefit the National Health Service in treating cognitive disorders.