Effects of Step Training in Older Adults with Mild Dementia

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Dec 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a special step training program can help older adults with mild dementia improve their walking and reduce their risk of falling. The program combines stepping exercises with tasks that require attention and focus, which are important for safe movement. Researchers want to learn how this training affects not just walking ability, but also how the brain functions when making stepping decisions. This could help develop better ways to keep older adults with dementia safe and independent.

To participate, you need to be at least 65 years old and have a diagnosis of mild dementia. You should also be able to walk 10 meters on your own without needing a walking aid and have a caregiver who can help you. If you join the trial, you can expect to take part in the step training program and be assessed on your walking skills and balance. This study is currently recruiting participants, so it’s a great opportunity to contribute to important research that could benefit many older adults with dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • at least 65 years old;
• • have a physician's diagnosis of dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition;
• • have mild dementia, indicated by a score of 10 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA);
• • able to walk 10 meters independently without a walking aid;
• • receiving care by an unpaid "main caregiver" with at least 3.5 hours of face-to-face contact per week.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • unable to perform step training due to unstable or severe musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or neurological conditions;
• • have severe hearing and/or visual impairments that limit their ability to communicate;
• • have been hospitalized within the past 30 days.