Effects of social isolation and interaction on dementia risk in people with subjective cognitive decline

The Effects of Social Isolation and Social Interaction on the Risk of Dementia Progression and Brain Function in SCD (Subjective Cognitive Decline, SCD)

This study is trying to see how being socially isolated or interacting with others affects the risk of dementia in people who notice early signs of memory problems.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 209 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Nanjing, China, Jiangsu)
• Trial ID: NCT06335836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate how social isolation and social interaction influence the risk of dementia progression and brain function in individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD). It will utilize a cohort study design to assess the degree of social isolation among SCD patients and analyze its impact on the progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) over a follow-up period of 3-5 years. The study will also explore the relationship between brain connectivity characteristics and the APOEε4 genotype in relation to cognitive decline. Additionally, a predictive model will be developed to identify risk factors for progression from SCD to MCI and AD, allowing for individualized interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45 to 85 who experience self-perceived cognitive decline but do not meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with vascular dementia, other central nervous system diseases, or severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and interventions for preventing dementia in socially isolated individuals with subjective cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous studies have indicated a correlation between social factors and cognitive decline, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* SCD

  1. Self-perceived continuous cognitive decline compared with the previous normal state, and is not related to acute events;
  2. After adjustment for age, gender, and years of education, the standard cognitive test is normal, or the diagnostic criteria for MCI are not met;
  3. Selected candidates can sign the informed consent form themselves.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (a) Aged under 45 years or older than 85 years; (b) Vascular dementia or other central nervous system diseases; (c) Hachinski Ischemic Scale score \> 4 points; (d); Unable to complete neuropsychological tests (e.g., blindness, deafness, severe language impairment); (e) Drug abuse or alcohol dependency within the last 6 months; (f) Current participation in other cognition studies; (g) Severe diabetes mellitus, or severe cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, liver diseases, kidney diseases, psychiatric disorders; (h) Contraindications to imaging techniques: claustrophobia, metallic implants (e.g., intracranial metal clips), electronic devices (e.g., cardiac pacemakers)

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, China, Jiangsu

• The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University — Nanjing, China, Jiangsu, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zhu Yi

Conditions: Social Isolation, SCD, Subjective Cognitive Decline, MCI, Mild Cognitive Impairment, AD, Alzheimer Disease