Conversations as a Means to Delay the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease

Conversational Engagement as a Means to Delay Alzheimer's Disease Onset

Past epidemiological studies have demonstrated that larger social networks, or more frequent social interactions, could have potential protective effects on the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, in those studies, indicators of social interactions were often broad, and included distinct elements that affected cognition and overall health. This project will examine whether conversation-based cognitive stimulation has positive effects on domain-specific cognitive functions among the elderly. Face-to-face communication will be conducted through the use of personal computers, webcams, and user-friendly simple interactive Internet programs to allow participants to have social engagement while staying at their home and also for the cost effective execution of the study.

Participants are randomized into the control group (weekly 10 minutes phone check-in only) or experimental group (30 minutes daily video chat with standardized/trained conversational staff). User-friendly equipment and internet are provided.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-demented participants
• Willing to participate in daily conversation using internet/webcam with interviewers for 6 weeks
• Willing to monitor daily conversational amount using a digital recording device
• Willing informant who has frequent contact with the participant

Exclusion Criteria:

• have major illness or disabilities which interfere with interacting using the audio/video technology
• diagnosed as dementia
• MMSE < 24 at screening
• Geriatric Depression Scale (15 items) >4 at screening