Active Brains: a mind-body activity program for older adults with chronic pain and early memory problems
Addressing the chronic pain-early cognitive decline comorbidity among older adults; The Active Brains study
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11303311
This project offers a virtual group mind-body activity program for older adults with chronic pain and early memory problems to reduce pain, boost activity, and support thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11303311 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a small online group that uses gentle movement, mindfulness, and pacing strategies tailored for older adults with chronic pain and early cognitive decline. The program uses quota-based pacing with a wearable activity monitor to set and reinforce personalized activity goals, plus mood and thinking exercises. It was developed with patient input and showed good feasibility and early signs of benefit; researchers will now run a fully powered randomized trial comparing the program to usual care. Participation involves remote surveys, activity tracking, walking tests, and brief cognitive measures, with most visits delivered virtually.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults who have ongoing (chronic) pain and signs of early memory or thinking changes and who can join virtual group sessions and wear a simple activity monitor are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, severe uncontrolled medical problems, major mobility restrictions that prevent participation in gentle activity, or inability to use virtual technology may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could lower pain, improve mood and daily function, and help preserve thinking abilities in older adults with chronic pain and early cognitive problems.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot work of this tailored mind-body activity program showed strong feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary improvements in function and symptoms, but this is the first fully powered randomized trial.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VRANCEANU, ANA-MARIA — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: VRANCEANU, ANA-MARIA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease prevention, Alzheimer's Disease and its related dementias