Memory Support System for Older Chinese Americans With Mild Cognitive Impairment

A Pilot of Memory Support System for Older Chinese Americans With Mild Cognitive Impairment

The Memory Support System (MSS) from the Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking® (HABIT) Program is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Despite the clinical benefits and feasibility, the MSS was primarily developed and used with non-Hispanic White, English-speaking adults. Racial/ethnic minority groups are chronically under-enrolled in clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) due to lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate adaptation of assessment measures and intervention protocols. The purpose of this research study is to examine whether the MSS from HABIT can help Chinese American older adults with mild thinking and memory problems. Target recruitment is 60 Chinese American adults who are primarily Mandarin- (n=30) and Cantonese-speaking (n=30). Forty participants will participate in the trainer-led day planner training and 20 will participate in self-study of the day planner and receive brain health education. Each participant will also be asked to identify a study partner to participate with them.

Inclusion criteria:

• self-identify as Chinese American;
• age 55 and above;
• a diagnosis of MCI as confirmed through documented clinical assessment and/or research-based diagnostic criteria;
• predominantly Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking;
• able to read and write in Chinese;
• visual and auditory acuity adequate for cognitive testing;
• willing to complete the assessment measures;
• having someone in regular contact to serve as a study partner/informant;
• absence or stable use of prescribed memory-enhancing medications within the last 3 months.

Exclusion criteria include:

• any significant neurologic disease that would impact their participation and completion of the trial;
• history of psychiatry disorder (DSM 5 criteria) within the last 12 months;
• history of reading or writing disability sufficient to interfere with MSS training; or
• concurrent participation in another relevant clinical trial.