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Background and Objectives Social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) of enhanced social interactions, hypothesizing that conversational interactions can stimulate brain functions among socially isolated older adults without dementia. We report topline results of this multisite RCT (Internet-based conversational engagement clinical trial [I-CONECT]; NCT02871921). Research Design and Methods The experimental group received cognitively stimulating semistructured conversations with trained interviewers via internet/webcam 4 times per week for 6 months (induction) and twice per week for an additional 6 months (maintenance). The experimental and control groups both received weekly 10 minutes telephone check-ins. Protocol modifications were required due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Results A total of 186 participants were randomized. After the induction period, the experimental group had higher global cognitive test scores (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [primary outcome]; 1.75 points [ p  = .03]) compared with the control group. After induction, experimental group participants with normal cognition had higher language-based executive function (semantic fluency test [secondary outcome]; 2.56 points [ p  = .03]). At the end of the maintenance period, the experimental group of mild cognitive impairment subjects had higher encoding function (Craft Story immediate recall test [secondary outcome]; 2.19 points [ p  = .04]). Measure of emotional well-being improved in both control and experimental groups. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that the experimental group had increased connectivity within the dorsal attention network relative to the control group (p  = .02), but the sample size was limited. Discussion and Implications Providing frequent stimulating conversational interactions via the internet could be an effective home-based dementia risk-reduction strategy against social isolation and cognitive decline. Clinical Trials Registration Number NCT02871921 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frequent digital monitoring of cognition is a promising approach for assessing endpoints in prevention and treatment trials of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study evaluated the feasibility of the MIND GamePack© for recurrent semi-passive assessment of cognition across a longitudinal interval. Methods: The MIND GamePack consists of four iPad-based games selected to be both familiar and enjoyable: Word Scramble, Block Drop, FreeCell, and Memory Match. Participants were asked to play 20min/day for 5 days (100 min) for 4 months. Feasibility of use by older adults was assessed by measuring gameplay time and game performance. We also evaluated compliance through semi-structured surveys. A linear generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to analyze changes in gameplay time, and a regression tree model was employed to estimate the days it took for game performance to plateau. Subjective and environmental factors associated with gameplay time and performance were examined, including daily self-reported questions of memory and thinking ability, mood, sleep, energy, current location, and distractions prior to gameplay. Results: Twenty-six cognitively-unimpaired older adults participated (mean age ± SD = 71.9 ± 8.6; 73% female). Gameplay time remained stable throughout the 4-months, with an average compliance rate of 91%±11% (1946 days of data across all participants) and weekly average playtime of 210 ± 132 min per participant. We observed an initial learning curve of improving game performance which on average, plateaued after 22-39 days, depending on the game. Higher levels of self-reported memory and thinking ability were associated with more gameplay time and sessions. Conclusion: MIND GamePack is a feasible and well-designed semi-passive cognitive assessment platform which may provide complementary data to traditional neuropsychological testing in research on aging and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related stay-at-home orders on weekly reports of mood and activity before and during COVID-19 in a sample of older Veterans and their cohabitants. Urban and rural Veterans and their cohabitants living in the Pacific Northwest ≥62 years old were enrolled as part of the Collaborative Aging Research Using Technology initiative (n = 100, age = 71.2 ± 6.5, 41% women). Participants reported frequency of social activities (e.g., travel away), physical illness, and mood (blue mood and loneliness) via weekly online health forms. A total of 2,441 weekly online health forms (OHFs) were collected from 100 participants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, blue mood (OR = 4.4, p <.0001) and loneliness (OR = 7.2, p <.0001) were significantly higher than before the pandemic, and travel away from home was significantly lower (OR = 0.5, p <.0001). Prevalence of blue mood and loneliness were not associated with rurality. The current study established that blue mood and loneliness were significantly more prevalent in older Veterans following COVID-19 stay-at-home orders regardless of rurality. The COVID-19 pandemic associated health precautions, while necessary to curb acute health risks, have created a unique situation that places vulnerable populations at increased risk of low mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We developed demographically‐adjusted normative data for Spanish‐ and English‐speaking Latinos on the Version 3.0 of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set Neuropsychological Battery (UDS3‐NB). METHODS: Healthy Latino adults (N = 437) age 50–94 (191 Spanish‐ and 246 English‐speaking) enrolled in Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers completed the UDS3‐NB in their preferred language. Normative data were developed via multiple linear regression models on UDS3‐NB raw scores stratified by language group with terms for demographic characteristics (age, years of formal education, and sex). RESULTS: Younger age and more years of education were associated with better performance on most tests in both language groups, with education being particularly influential on raw scores among Spanish‐speakers. Sex effects varied across tests and language groups. DISCUSSION: These normative data are a crucial step toward improving diagnostic accuracy of the UDS3‐NB for neurocognitive disorders among Latinos in the United States and addressing disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Highlights: We developed normative data on the UDS3‐NB for Latinos in the US ages 50–94.Younger age and more years of education were linked to better raw scores in several cognitive tests.Education was particularly influential on raw scores among Spanish‐speakers.Sex effects varied across tests and between English‐ and Spanish‐speaking Latinos.These normative data might improve diagnostic accuracy of the UDS3‐NB among Latinos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]