Program to enhance cognition in older adults living in community housing
Improving Cognition of Older Adults in Community Housing (I-COACH)
This study is testing a 12-week program that combines brain exercises, social activities, and physical workouts to see if it can help older adults with mental health issues living in community housing improve their thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05932342 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The I-COACH initiative aims to improve cognitive function in seniors with mental health conditions residing in community housing through a 12-week integrated program. This program combines cognitive remediation, social activities, and physical exercise, delivered in small groups with the support of trained Personal Support Workers. Participants will undergo a baseline neuropsychological assessment before engaging in the program, which includes structured activities four days a week. Feedback from participants and staff will be collected to refine the program and ensure its effectiveness and acceptability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older who meet DSM-V criteria for any mental disorder and are living in community housing.
Not a fit: Patients who are not clinically stable or have been recently hospitalized for psychiatric reasons may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the cognitive abilities and overall well-being of older adults, allowing them to maintain independence in their community.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using integrated cognitive and physical activity programs for older adults, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 50 years and above. The rationale of age cutoff of 50 is that this age is considered a typical geriatric age cutoff especially for people with severe mental illness 2. Any race or ethnicity 3. Any gender identity 4. Meets DSM-V criteria for any disorder 5. Clinically stable as operationalized by (1) having not been admitted to a psychiatric hospital within the 3 months prior to assessment, (2) having had no change in psychotropic medication dosage within the 4 weeks prior to assessment, and (3) ascertained to be clinically and medically stable by one the study psychiatrists. 6. Willingness and ability to speak English 7. Willingness to provide informed consent or assent as applicable. 8. Corrected visual ability that enables reading of newspaper headlines and corrected hearing capacity that is adequate to respond to a raised conversational voice. Both vision and hearing ability will be assessed by asking the participant if they can see the text and hear the research personnel during the screening consent and enrolment process. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Meets diagnostic criteria for active substance use or dependence within the 6 months prior to the initial assessment except for caffeine or nicotine 2. Has profound cognitive impairment that, in the opinion of the PI, precludes benefit from CR and therefore study participation.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Angela Golas, MD — Center for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Angela Golas, MD
- Email: Angela.Golas@camh.ca
- Phone: 4165358501
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.