Intervention to reduce cognitive decline and physical frailty in older adults in Singapore
The SINgapore GERiatric Intervention Study to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Physical Frailty (SINGER) Study, Biomarker and Health Service Research Analyses
This study is testing a lifestyle program that includes exercise, healthy eating, brain training, and social activities to see if it can help older adults in Singapore slow down memory loss and stay healthier as they age.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 77 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National University of Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Singapore and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05007353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The SINGER study is a 2-year randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multidomain lifestyle intervention aimed at delaying cognitive decline in older adults at risk of dementia. This intervention includes physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities, and management of vascular risk factors. Building on the successful Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study (FINGER), the SINGER study adapts these interventions for the Singaporean population, following a successful pilot study that demonstrated cultural feasibility. The goal is to provide evidence for scalable and applicable lifestyle changes that can improve cognitive health in an aging population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Singaporean adults aged 60-77 years with a moderate risk of dementia and no significant cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with existing dementia, substantial cognitive decline, or severe physical disabilities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly delay cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for older adults at risk of dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as the FINGER trial, have shown success with similar multidomain lifestyle interventions in delaying cognitive decline.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60-77 years * Able to understand English/Chinese * Risk of dementia: Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) dementia risk score \>6 indicating the presence of modifiable risk factors Modifiable lifestyle factors (fulfilling at least one of the following LIBRA index for diet, cognitive activity, physical activity) * Cognitive performance at the mean level or slightly lower than expected for age (MoCA ≥18, ≤27) * No plans to travel outside of Singapore for an extended period of time over the course of the study * Free of physical disabilities that preclude participation in the study * Willing to complete all study-related activities for 24 months * Willing to be randomized to either lifestyle intervention group Exclusion Criteria: * malignant diseases * dementia * substantial cognitive decline (MoCA\<18) * major depression * symptomatic cardiovascular disease * revascularisation within 1 year * severe loss of vision, hearing or communicative ability * other conditions inhibiting from safe engagement in the prescribed intervention and other conditions preventing cooperation, as judged by the study physician
Where this trial is running
Singapore and 2 other locations
- National University Hospital — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Tan Tock Seng Campus (NNI @ TTSH campus) — Singapore, Singapore (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher LH Chen, MD — National University of Singapore
- Study coordinator: Connie KL Teo
- Email: kee_ling_teo@nuhs.edu.sg
- Phone: (65) 6601 5668
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.