Cognitive Stimulation and Strength Training in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

University of Jaén

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cognitive Impairment

Treatments: Other: Cognitive stimulation and Strength training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06666088

-University Jaén.

Details and patient eligibility

About

This program focuses on integrating cognitive exercises and strength training for older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It aims to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills through various stimulating activities. At the same time, it incorporates strength training exercises to improve muscle mass, balance, and overall physical mobility. By addressing both cognitive and physical aspects of health, the initiative seeks to provide comprehensive benefits that may lead to improved quality of life for older adults with MCI. The research contributes valuable insights into the importance of holistic interventions in mitigating the effects of cognitive decline and promoting physical well-being in this vulnerable population.

Enrollment: 81 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• People over 60 years of age.
• Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) confirmed by neuropsychological evaluation or by a health professional.
• Ability to participate in moderate physical activities and perform strength exercises with supervision.
• Willingness and ability to regularly attend sessions of the cognitive stimulation and physical training program.
• Signed informed consent authorization, indicating that they understand and accept the objectives and activities of the program.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of moderate or severe dementia or other advanced cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the program.
• Severe or limiting physical conditions, such as heart disease, respiratory disease, or musculoskeletal injuries, that make it impossible to perform strength exercises.
• Psychiatric disorders (such as major depression or schizophrenia) or substance use that affect commitment or ability to follow the program activities.
• Participation in other cognitive stimulation or physical training programs or interventions in parallel, which may interfere with the evaluation of the effects of the program.
• Inability to understand and follow simple instructions, or lack of family or social support to attend the program if necessary.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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81 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group will not participate in the physical or cognitive exercise intervention but will receive general recommendations for comprehensive health care. This includes discussions about the benefits of engaging in physical and cognitive exercise, as well as advice on managing physical and mental health. All proposed physical and mental assessments will be conducted with the control group at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Additionally, during the study period, they will be monitored for any changes in physical activity levels that may occur throughout the intervention. Follow-up will also include tracking nutritional changes, sleep habits, and stress levels.

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

The experimental group will participate in a 12-week program combining cognitive stimulation and strength training, with two sessions per week. Each cognitive session, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour, will aim to improve memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions through activities like memory games and problem-solving tasks. A professional in neuropsychology or occupational therapy will lead these sessions, adapting activities to participants' abilities. Strength training will also be conducted twice a week for 45 minutes to 1 hour, focusing on exercises that strengthen major muscle groups and improve balance and coordination. Participants will use light weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises, tailored to their physical levels. A specialized trainer will oversee the program, adjusting exercise intensity to ensure safety and optimize benefits.

Treatment:

Other: Cognitive stimulation and Strength training