Improving activity and sleep habits to reduce dementia risk
Small Steps Towards Personalized Dementia Prevention: Implementation and Evaluation of a Personalized, Technology-assisted Physical Behaviour Intervention
This study is testing a website that helps older adults change their daily habits to see if it can lower their risk of developing dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Australia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Adelaide, South Australia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06291909 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled study evaluates the 'Small Steps' website, designed to help older adults modify their time-use behaviors to lower dementia risk factors. Participants aged 65 and older will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group using the website or a control group. The program spans 36 weeks, divided into three 12-week phases, focusing on reducing sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity, and enhancing sleep quality. Comprehensive assessments will be conducted to monitor changes in behavior and health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who are not meeting physical activity guidelines and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with a current diagnosis of dementia or those who meet the physical activity guidelines may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older adults by promoting healthier lifestyle habits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in similar behavioral interventions aimed at reducing dementia risk factors.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years or older * Ambulatory and community dwelling * Fluent in the English Language (required for cognitive assessments) * Resident of Onkaparinga Council * Access and competency in using technology (i.e., phone, tablet, computer) * Not meeting the Australian physical activity guidelines - 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity (self-report) * Deemed safe to participate in physical activity (ESSA APSS stage 1) or clearance from health professional Exclusion Criteria: * Scores below the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cut-off (\<13/22) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (MoCA-B) or a current diagnosis of dementia * Self-reported meeting the Australian physical activity guidelines * Major neurological or psychiatric diagnosis * Known intellectual disability * Major physical disability * Lack of English fluency * Involved in another intervention trial involving physical activity, brain training, and/or diet * Have vision problems which may prevent them from reading a computer and/or phone screen
Where this trial is running
Adelaide, South Australia
- University of South Australia — Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ashleigh Smith, PhD — University of South Australia
- Study coordinator: Catherine Yandell, PhD
- Email: catherine.yandell@unisa.edu.au
- Phone: +61 8 83022109
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.