Effects of Comprehensive Community Support Programs on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Older Adults

THE EFFECTS OF COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AND QUALITY OF LIFE: THE VEFAHANE MODEL

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the effects of a multidomain community-based support program on cognitive function and quality of life in older adults attending the Vefahane Life Center in Istanbul, Türkiye. The study will compare elderly individuals actively participating in community-based social, cognitive, physical, and supportive activities with individuals registered at the center but not actively participating during the study period. Participants will undergo neuropsychological and psychosocial assessments at baseline and after 3 months. The primary outcome is change in global cognitive performance measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Secondary outcomes include memory, executive functions, depression, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and quality of life measures.

Dementia is a growing global public health concern associated with aging populations worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that multidomain lifestyle interventions targeting modifiable risk factors may help preserve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk in older adults. Community-based support programs that combine cognitive, physical, social, and supportive activities may provide sustainable and culturally adaptable approaches for healthy aging.

This prospective non-interventional observational study aims to evaluate the effects of the Vefahane Life Center multidomain support model on cognitive functions and quality of life in older adults aged 60 years and above. The study will be conducted in elderly individuals registered at the Vefahane Life Center in Bağcılar, Istanbul.

Participants actively attending center-based activities will constitute the intervention/exposure group, while individuals registered at the center but not actively participating during the study period will serve as controls. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after 3 months.

The multidomain program includes social, cognitive, physical, cultural, artistic, educational, and supportive services tailored to individual preferences. Available activities include handicrafts, music, painting, physical exercise, cognitive games, language courses, hobby workshops, and psychosocial support services.

Cognitive and psychosocial outcomes will be evaluated using standardized instruments including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ), Trail Making Test (A+B), Verbal Memory Processes Test, Clock Drawing Test, Boston Naming Test, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QOL-AD), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and CAIDE dementia risk assessment.

The primary objective of the study is to investigate changes in global cognitive performance. Secondary objectives include evaluation of memory, executive functions, depressive symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and quality of life outcomes associated with participation in the multidomain community support program.

The study is considered minimal risk because it involves non-invasive assessments and routine community-based activities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elderly individuals aged 60 and over who attend or will attend Vefahane Life Center
• Able to cooperate,
• Individuals who speak Turkish
• Individuals who are literate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals previously diagnosed with dementia,

  • Individuals with neurological and psychiatric diagnoses that affect cognitive skills,
  • Individuals receiving occupational therapy interventions aimed at improving cognitive skills within the center,
  • Individuals with illnesses that prevent participation in the activity program (cancer, cardiovascular instability, etc.),
  • Individuals with severe visual and hearing loss that hinders communication.