Healthy Aging as Black Adults, In It Together: a Comparative Effectiveness Study of Chronic Pain and Cognitive Decline

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jan 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to compare two different programs designed to help older Black adults who are experiencing chronic pain and early signs of cognitive decline, which means some memory or thinking skills are starting to fade. The two programs being studied are called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with Walking (MBCT+w) and Active Living Every Day (ALED). Researchers want to see how well these programs improve physical health, thinking abilities, and emotional well-being in participants. After completing the programs, the participants will be checked again after six months to see if the benefits last.

To join the study, participants must be Black adults aged 50 or older who have had chronic pain in their muscles or joints for over three months and have reported early cognitive decline. They should also be able to speak and read English and be cleared by a doctor to participate. Participants who are currently taking certain medications or have specific health issues may not be eligible. If chosen, participants can expect to engage in activities related to the programs while being supported by researchers, and their progress will be monitored throughout the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Black adults, male and females, age 50 or older
• • Have nonmalignant musculoskeletal chronic pain for more than three months
• • Reports early cognitive decline (subjective and objective)
• • Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-41 score greater than or equal to 31
• • Functional Activities Questionnaire score less than 9
• • English fluency/literacy
• • Free of concurrent psychotropic or pain medication for at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of treatment, OR stable on current psychotropic or pain medication for a minimum of 6 weeks and willing to maintain stable dose
• • Cleared by medical doctor for study participation and no self-reported concerns about physical functioning on the revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q; score 0)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with dementia or neurodegenerative disease
• • Regular use of nonpharmacological pain management
• • Diagnosed with serious mental illness or substance abuse
• • Current suicidal ideation on self-report
• • Engagement of regular exercise for more than 30 minutes daily
• • Unable to walk