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BackgroundDementia is a global epidemic and incurs substantial burden on the affected families and the health care system. A window of opportunity for intervention is the predementia stage known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Individuals often present to services late in the course of their disease and more needs to be done for early detection; sensor technology is a potential method for detection. ObjectiveThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing sensors in the homes of senior citizens to detect changes in behaviors unobtrusively. MethodsWe recruited 59 community-dwelling seniors (aged >65 years who live alone) with and without MCI and observed them over the course of 2 months. The frequency of forgetfulness was monitored by tagging personal items and tracking missed doses of medication. Activities such as step count, time spent away from home, television use, sleep duration, and quality were tracked with passive infrared motion sensors, smart plugs, bed sensors, and a wearable activity band. Measures of cognition, depression, sleep, and social connectedness were also administered. ResultsOf the 49 participants who completed the study, 28 had MCI and 21 had healthy cognition (HC). Frequencies of various sensor-derived behavior metrics were computed and compared between MCI and HC groups. MCI participants were less active than their HC counterparts and had more sleep interruptions per night. MCI participants had forgotten their medications more times per month compared with HC participants. The sensor system was acceptable to over 80% (40/49) of study participants, with many requesting for permanent installation of the system. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that it was both feasible and acceptable to set up these sensors in the community and unobtrusively collect data. Further studies evaluating such digital biomarkers in the homes in the community are needed to improve the ecological validity of sensor technology. We need to refine the system to yield more clinically impactful information.

ObjectiveHigh blood pressure is one of the main modifiable risk factors for dementia. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the best antihypertensive class for optimizing cognition. Our objective was to determine whether any particular antihypertensive class was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia using comprehensive meta-analysis including reanalysis of original participant data.MethodsTo identify suitable studies, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO and preexisting study consortia were searched from inception to December 2017. Authors of prospective longitudinal human studies or trials of antihypertensives were contacted for data sharing and collaboration. Outcome measures were incident dementia or incident cognitive decline (classified using the reliable change index method). Data were separated into mid and late-life (>65 years) and each antihypertensive class was compared to no treatment and to treatment with other antihypertensives. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize data.ResultsOver 50,000 participants from 27 studies were included. Among those aged >65 years, with the exception of diuretics, we found no relationship by class with incident cognitive decline or dementia. Diuretic use was suggestive of benefit in some analyses but results were not consistent across follow-up time, comparator group, and outcome. Limited data precluded meaningful analyses in those ≤65 years of age.ConclusionOur findings, drawn from the current evidence base, support clinical freedom in the selection of antihypertensive regimens to achieve blood pressure goals.Clinical trials registrationThe review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42016045454.

Background: Cognitive frailty, defined as having both physical frailty and cognitive impairment that does not satisfy the criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder, represents an elevated risk for morbidity. Hence, it is crucial to mitigate such risks. Physical activity interventions have been found effective in protecting against physical frailty and cognitive deterioration. This pilot RCT examines if smartwatches and mobile phone applications can help to increase physical activity, thereby improving physical and cognitive outcomes. Methods: Older individuals (n = 60) aged 60 to 85 years old will have their physical activity tracked using a smartwatch. The subjects will be randomized into two arms: one group will receive daily notification prompts if they did not reach the recommended levels of PA; the control group will not receive prompts. Outcome variables of physical activity level, neurocognitive scores, and physical frailty scores will be measured at baseline, T1 (3 months), and T2 (6 months). Sleep quality, levels of motivation, anxiety, and depression will be controlled for in our analyses. We hypothesize that the intervention group will have higher levels of physical activity resulting in improved cognitive and physical outcomes at follow-up. This study was approved by the National University of Singapore's Institutional Review Board on 17 August 2020 (NUS-IRB Ref. No.: H-20-038). Discussion: Wearable sensors technology could prove useful by facilitating self-management in physical activity interventions. The findings of this study can justify the use of technology in physical activity as a preventive measure against cognitive frailty in older adults. This intervention also complements the rapidly rising use of technology, such as smartphones and wearable health devices, in our lives today. Registration details: This study has been retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov on 5th January 2021 (NCT Identifier: NCT04692974), after the first participant was recruited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: With a rapidly aging population in Singapore, late-life depression and anxiety become increasingly relevant as they impact on quality of life, disability and healthcare costs. BRIGHT initiative begins as a group coaching programme with the aim to empower at risk elderly to self-manage physical and mental health ailments. This poster aims to present the latest findings and updates from BRIGHT as we embark on to the next phase, BRIGHT Train the Trainers (BRIGHT T3) programme to ensure long term sustainability of theseinterventions. Methods: BRIGHT consists of three two-hour workshops facilitated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical social workers. Two virtual runs were conducted over zoom while five physical runs were conducted on site at the local senior activity centres. Scales of GDS, GAI, HCS and SF 12 were administered pre and post intervention to capture 1) reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms, 2) quality of life, 3) improvement in health confidence, and 4) participant satisfaction. This intervention is supplemented by a mobile wellness application nested within Singhealth Healthbuddy application, providing seniors access to an application with self-monitoring, inbuilt reward systems to reinforce positive behaviours and self-help mental health resources. BRIGHT T3 programme aims to promote mental wellness and create sustainable impact by establishing a self- sustaining model through peers, volunteers and grassroot leaders who will continue to deliver the programme in their respective communities. Eligible trainers identified will be pre-screened by the BRIGHT team and a baseline assessment of mental health literacy will be administered. The comprehensive training regimen comprises of training modules in didactic and experiential format which will be led by the BRIGHT MDT. As trainees gain competence, they will progress to leading sessions under close supervision. Results: Average participant satisfaction was 85% with positive verbal reviews from community partners as well. GDS, GAI, HCS, and SF 12 PCS scores improved by an average of 1.8, 1.7, 1.6 and 1.8 respectively. On the other hand, SF-12 MCS scores decreased by an average of 1.8. Conclusions: By focusing on a train-the-trainer model, the programme ensures long-term sustainability of these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous research on art therapy (AT) in cognitive aging has been lacking. AT can potentially engender significant cognitive gains, due to its rigorous cognitive involvement, making it useful to tackle age-related cognitive decline. Along with these cognitive gains, associated neuroplastic changes are hypothesized to arise from AT as well. The current intervention examined the effects of an AT intervention on cognitive outcomes and cortical thickness (CT) among participants with mild cognitive impairment. Method: Participants were assigned to AT (n = 22) and an active control group (n = 27). In both, weekly 45-min sessions were carried out across 3 months. Cognitive assessments and structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were carried out at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Whole brain analyses on CT were carried out. Cognitive outcomes were analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Results: Significant gains in immediate memory and working memory span were observed in the AT group, relative to the control group. Significantly increased CT in the AT group, relative to controls, was observed in a right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) cluster. Furthermore, CT changes in this cluster were significantly and positively correlated with changes in immediate memory. Conclusion: These findings highlighted the role of MFG neuroplasticity in enhancing certain cognitive functions in AT. AT is a neuroplastic intervention capable of engendering significant cognitive gains and associated cortical changes in the context of age-related cognitive decline, even when executed as a low-intensity intervention across 3 months. Given the preliminary nature of these findings, future larger sampled studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Ageing is associated with a multitude of healthcare issues including dementia, depression, frailty, morbidity associated with chronic disease and high healthcare utilisation. With Singapore’s population projected to age significantly over the next two decades, it has become increasingly important to understand the disease burden and etiological process among older adults. The Community Health and Intergenerational study aims to holistically examine ageing in place by investigating the resilience and vulnerability factors of the ageing process in the biological, psychological and social domains within the environment. Methods and analysis Using a cohort multiple randomised controlled trial design, comprehensive health profiles of community-dwelling older adults will be collected. The objective is to recruit 1000 participants (aged 60–99 years) living in the western region of Singapore within a period of 3 years (2018–2020). Assessments include basic sociodemographic, physical health and function (cardiac, oral and blood profiles and visual function), cognitive functioning, daily functioning, physical fitness, emotional state, free-flowing speech, sleep quality, social connectedness, caregiver burden, intergenerational communication, quality of life, life satisfaction, attitudes to ageing and gratitude and compassion. Results from the cohort will enable future studies to identify at-risk groups and develop interventions to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of older adults. Ethics and dissemination Approval of the cohort study by the National University of Singapore Institutional Review Board (NUS-IRB Reference code: H-17-047) was obtained on 12 October 2017. Written consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings from the cohort study will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations at scientific meetings and conferences with local stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]