Sharing History Through Active Reminiscence and Photo-imagery - With MCI

Sharing History Through Active Reminiscence and Photo-imagery: A Neighborhood Approach to Increase Physical Activity and Social Engagement

The SHARP-MCI study tests impact of walking and social reminiscence on cognitive function, blood pressure, and weight among healthy Black Americans and those experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

For 6 months (24 weeks), triads of healthy and MCI Black adults aged 55 and over walk 3x/week (1 mile) in Portland's historically Black neighborhoods. Triads follow GPS-mapped routes accessible via the SHARP walking application on a group tablet device. At three points along each route, GPS-triggered "Memory Markers" (historical images of local Black culture and life from1940-2010) appear on the tablet screen serving as a conversational reminisce prompt as the triad walks. At baseline and 24 weeks, cognitive function is measured via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and weight and blood pressure are measured. Pre-post health surveys rate activity levels, days feeling downhearted/blue, energy level, and health status. Program evaluation surveys at month 1, 3, 6 assess mood, pace and dose of walking, prompt effectiveness, program readiness, and liklihood to recommend program to others. Focus groups at month 1, 3, 6 evaluate participants' program experience and needed changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identified African American
• > 55 years old
• Reside or resided for >10 years in Portland's historically Black neighborhoods (to be familiar with Memory Markers about this area)
• Able to ambulate independently. Participants (n=7) with MCI will meet criteria consistent with those defined by Jak et al. 2009 and with criteria outlined by the NIA-Alzheimer's Association workgroup (2011)
• Participants without cognitive impairment (n=14) will have an MMSE score > 24 (and not meet MCI criteria).
• Participants' cognitive function should allow them to get to/ from walk locations independently or with minimal assistance

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious or unstable medical condition (such as, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or severe arthritis) where participation in the trial would, in the opinion of the investigator, pose a significant health risk to the subject.
• Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, or other dementing illness.