Multi-domain intervention program on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: Pilot study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a growing concern in aging populations.
• Aerobic-cognitive training and educational programs are emerging interventions.
• Effective strategies are needed to maintain cognitive function in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a multidomain intervention with a sports program for older adults.
• To assess effects on objective cognitive function (OCF), subjective memory function (SMC), and other cognitive/psychological measures.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel 3-component program for cognitive health.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized study compared a 24-week multidomain intervention (aerobics, cognitive exercises, education) with a 24-week sports program (control).
• Participants were independent older adults.
• Outcomes included OCF, SMC, frontal assessment battery, cognitive reserve, depression, anxiety, and stress, analyzed using relative risk and ANCOVA.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed positive trends in OCF, SMC, and neuropsychological symptoms, unlike the control group.
• The multidomain intervention significantly improved SMC (RR: 0.5; 95%CI 0.4-0.8).
• The control group experienced a significant decrease in OCF compared to the intervention group [F(1) = 8.4; p = 0.009; դp = 0.30].

Conclusions:

• The 3-component intervention demonstrated greater effectiveness than the control program.
• The findings suggest the multidomain program enhances both subjective memory and objective cognitive function in older adults.
• This program represents a promising strategy for mitigating cognitive decline in aging populations.