Exploring Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Mindfulness Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: A Feasibility, Proof-of-Concept Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of mindfulness training (MT) on cognitive function in older individuals at risk of dementia.
Results Summary
At the end of treatment, mindfulness training (MT) showed higher cognitive function scores (ZAVEN) compared to usual care (UC) and aerobic training (AT), with a similar pattern observed at a 6-month follow-up. No significant differences were found for the combined MT + AT group.
Population
Older individuals (mean age 70.1 years) at risk of dementia.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Duration of intervention not specified (follow-up at 6 months).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | ZAVEN scores | older individuals at risk of dementia | b = .43, P =.03 | had higher ZAVEN scores than UC | #1 |
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | ZAVEN scores | older individuals at risk of dementia | b = .26, P = .10 | had higher ZAVEN scores than AT | #2 |
MT + AT | no change | ZAVEN scores | older individuals at risk of dementia | - | no differences were seen | #3 |
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | cognitive function | older individuals at risk of dementia | - | may improve cognitive function | #4 |
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to explore feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of aerobic training (AT), mindfulness training (MT), or both (MT + AT) on cognitive function in older individuals at risk of dementia. METHOD: Participants were randomized to AT, MT, both, or usual care (UC). Z-scores of attention, verbal fluency, and episodic memory for non-demented adults (ZAVEN) were computed at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months since baseline. RESULTS: Of the 36 enrolled participants (12 M, 24 F, mean age = 70.1 years), 97% were retained in the study at 6 months. At EOT, MT had higher ZAVEN scores than UC (b = .43, P =.03) and AT (b = .26, P = .10), while no differences were seen with MT + AT. A similar pattern was observed at a 6 month follow-up (all DISCUSSION: MT may improve cognitive function in older individuals at risk of dementia. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a fully powered RCT.