Pilot Study of a Brain Health Program in Senior Centers

Prevention Starts Here: Piloting My Healthy Brain in Massachusetts Councils on Aging

The investigators will evaluate a brain health programs in older adults with subjective cognitive decline. The primary aim of the study is to determine the credibility, expectancy, feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, and satisfaction of the program delivered in the senior centers.

The investigators aim to promote brain health by reducing lifestyle risk factors for dementia in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This study is a pilot trial of a mindfulness-based lifestyle programs. Eligible older adults include: age ≥ 50, self-reported worry about changes in memory or thinking, and self-reported interest in improving lifestyle behaviors. Participants complete 8 weekly 90-minute sessions delivered by a clinical psychologist or trainee. All participants will wear an activity watch to support and monitor lifestyle changes during the program. Each session will focus on a different topic relevant to brain health (e.g. physical activity, sleep, etc.). The primary aim of the study is to determine the credibility, expectancy, feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, and satisfaction of the program, delivered in senior centers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged ≥ 50
• Subjective cognitive decline (SCD; e.g., forgetting information, getting lost, and repeating oneself)
• Able to self-identify at least 1 modifiable lifestyle risk factors for dementia to change during the program (physically inactive, poor sleep, non-adherence to Mediterranean diet, alcohol use, tobacco use, socially isolated or lonely, mental inactivity)
• Absence of significant cognitive impairment (assessed using Short Blessed Test71 ≤ 9)
• Self-reported English proficiency/literacy
• Ability and willingness to participate and complete all study-related activities

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dementia or other neurodegenerative disease per patient self-report or disclosure
• Psychosis, uncontrolled schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, or uncontrolled substance dependence/abuse
• Active self-report of suicidal ideation / high risk of suicide
• Serious medical illness expected to worsen during the study
• Self-reported safety issues with initiating lifestyle change