Small Steps Towards Improving Activity and Sleep Habits to Decrease the Risk of Dementia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA · Feb 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Small Steps Towards Improving Activity and Sleep Habits to Decrease the Risk of Dementia," is designed to help older adults reduce their risk of dementia by encouraging healthier habits. The study involves participants aged 65 and older who are not currently meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. Those who join will use a special website called 'Small Steps' that helps them track how they spend their time and suggests small changes to improve their physical activity and sleep quality. Participants will be randomly placed in one of two groups: one that receives more support in making these changes (the 'Extended Program') and another that receives less support (the 'Condensed Program').

The program lasts for 36 weeks, divided into three phases of 12 weeks each, where participants will receive guidance on how to reduce sitting time, increase exercise, and improve sleep. Throughout the trial, participants will take part in health assessments and complete surveys about their sleep and motivation. To be eligible, participants must be ambulatory, fluent in English, and have access to technology like a smartphone or computer. However, those with a current diagnosis of dementia, severe cognitive impairment, or certain disabilities will not qualify for the study. This trial aims to empower older adults to make small but impactful lifestyle changes that may help protect their brain health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 65 years or older
• • Ambulatory and community dwelling
• • Fluent in the English Language (required for cognitive assessments)
• • Resident of Onkaparinga Council
• • Access and competency in using technology (i.e., phone, tablet, computer)
• • Not meeting the Australian physical activity guidelines - 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity (self-report)
• • Deemed safe to participate in physical activity (ESSA APSS stage 1) or clearance from health professional
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Scores below the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cut-off (\<13/22) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (MoCA-B) or a current diagnosis of dementia
• • Self-reported meeting the Australian physical activity guidelines
• • Major neurological or psychiatric diagnosis
• • Known intellectual disability
• • Major physical disability
• • Lack of English fluency
• • Involved in another intervention trial involving physical activity, brain training, and/or diet
• • Have vision problems which may prevent them from reading a computer and/or phone screen