Online positive psychology program to support thinking and brain health in early memory changes
Official title: Application of Positive Psychology Interventions in Individuals With Early-stage Cognitive Decline Related to Dementia: Their Impact on Cognitive and Brain Functioning
Run by Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki · NCT07289061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether an online positive psychology program can improve thinking, brain function, and wellbeing in older adults with early memory problems (Subjective Cognitive Decline or Mild Cognitive Impairment).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Thessaloniki) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07289061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults with a clinical diagnosis of SCD or MCI who can use online video sessions, tolerate brief home practices, and attend any required in-person assessments at the study site.
✕Probably not a fit
People with moderate-to-severe dementia, unstable or untreated major psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions that strongly affect cognition, or who cannot participate in online sessions or required site visits are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll about 128 older adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), randomly assigning half to a multi-component Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) and half to Treatment As Usual (TAU). The PPI involves weekly small-group online sessions over roughly 24 weeks plus brief home practices, while all participants complete questionnaires, cognitive tests, and neurophysiological measures at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and at a 9-month follow-up. Primary outcomes are changes in cognitive performance and neurophysiological indices of brain function; secondary outcomes include wellbeing, character strengths, mindfulness, feasibility, adherence, and safety. No medications are used, and the program is designed to be low-risk and scalable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, scalable online program could help slow cognitive decline, boost wellbeing, and offer a widely accessible non-drug option for people with early memory changes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies of positive psychology and related non-pharmacological programs have shown promising effects on wellbeing and some cognitive or neural markers, but larger randomized evidence in early cognitive decline remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria -Documented diagnosis of Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to clinical evaluation and site standard criteria. Exclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder) or other major neurocognitive disorder that is moderate or severe. * Major psychiatric disorder currently unstable or untreated (e.g., major depression with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). * Neurological conditions that affect cognition. * Uncorrected hearing or vision problems that prevent participation in assessments or online sessions. * Concurrent participation in another interventional study targeting cognition or wellbeing during the study period.
Where it's running
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Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Despoina Moraitou, Professor, PhD — Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Psychology
- Study coordinator: Dimitra Vasileiou, M.Sc., PhD candidate
- Email: dvasilea@psy.auth.gr
- Phone: +30 6987304327
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.