Comparing two programs for managing chronic pain and cognitive decline in Black older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare two symptom-management programs, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with Walking (MBCT+w) and Active Living Every Day (ALED), for Black older adults experiencing early cognitive decline and chronic pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two programs, which focus on improving physical, cognitive, and emotional functions through structured sessions. The effectiveness of each program will be evaluated at baseline, post-program, and after a 6-month follow-up using self-report questionnaires, walk tests, and neuropsychological exams. The study seeks to determine which program is more beneficial for the participants' overall well-being.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Black adults, male and females, age 50 or older
* Have nonmalignant musculoskeletal chronic pain for more than three months
* Reports early cognitive decline (subjective and objective)
* Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-41 score greater than or equal to 31
* Functional Activities Questionnaire score less than 9
* English fluency/literacy
* Free of concurrent psychotropic or pain medication for at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of treatment, OR stable on current psychotropic or pain medication for a minimum of 6 weeks and willing to maintain stable dose
* Cleared by medical doctor for study participation and no self-reported concerns about physical functioning on the revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q; score 0)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with dementia or neurodegenerative disease
* Regular use of nonpharmacological pain management
* Diagnosed with serious mental illness or substance abuse
* Current suicidal ideation on self-report
* Engagement of regular exercise for more than 30 minutes daily
* Unable to walk

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Olivia Okereke, MD, MS — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Mallory Morehead, MPH
• Email: mmorehead@mgb.org
• Phone: (978) 580-3153

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.