The Survey for Memory, Attention, and Reaction Time (SMART): Development and Validation of a Brief Web-Based Measure of Cognition for Older Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Dorociak ◽  
Nora Mattek ◽  
Jonathan Lee ◽  
Mira I Leese ◽  
Nicole Bouranis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Cognitively Intact

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Brief, Web-based, and self-administered cognitive assessments hold promise for early detection of cognitive decline in individuals at risk for dementia. The current study describes the design, implementation, and convergent validity of a fWeb-based cognitive assessment tool, the Survey for Memory, Attention, and Reaction Time (SMART), for older adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A community-dwelling sample of older adults (<i>n</i> = 69) was included, classified as cognitively intact (<i>n</i> = 44) or diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, <i>n</i> = 25). Participants completed the SMART at home using their computer, tablet, or other Internet-connected device. The SMART consists of 4 face-valid cognitive tasks available in the public domain assessing visual memory, attention/processing speed, and executive functioning. Participants also completed a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests, a cognitive screener, and a daily function questionnaire. Primary SMART outcome measures consisted of subtest completion time (CT); secondary meta-metrics included outcomes indirectly assessed or calculated within the SMART (e.g., click count, total CT, time to complete practice items, and time of day the test was completed). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Regarding validity, total SMART CT, which includes time to complete test items, practice items, and directions, had the strongest relationship with global cognition (β = −0.47, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Test item CT was significantly greater for the MCI group (<i>F =</i> 5.20, <i>p</i> = 0.026). Of the SMART tasks, the executive functioning subtests had the strongest relationship with cognitive status as compared to the attention/processing speed and visual memory subtests. The primary outcome measures demonstrated fair to excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.50–0.76). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study provides preliminary evidence for the use of the SMART protocol as a feasible, reliable, and valid assessment method to monitor cognitive performance in cognitively intact and MCI older adults.

scholarly journals Mild Motor Signs Matter in Typical Brain Aging: The Value of the UPDRS Score Within a Functionally Intact Cohort of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Zitser ◽  
Kaitlin B. Casaletto ◽  
Adam M. Staffaroni ◽  
Claire Sexton ◽  
Sophia Weiner-Light ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Over Time

Objectives: To characterize the clinical correlates of subclinical Parkinsonian signs, including longitudinal cognitive and neural (via functional connectivity) outcomes, among functionally normal older adults.Methods: Participants included 737 functionally intact community-dwelling older adults who performed prospective comprehensive evaluations at ~15-months intervals for an average of 4.8 years (standard deviation 3.2 years). As part of these evaluations, participants completed the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) longitudinally and measures of processing speed, executive functioning and verbal episodic memory. T1-weighted structural scans and task-free functional MRI scans were acquired on 330 participants. We conducted linear mixed-effects models to determine the relationship between changes in UPDRS with cognitive and neural changes, using age, sex, and education as covariates.Results: Cognitive outcomes were processing speed, executive functioning, and episodic memory. Greater within-person increases in UPDRS were associated with more cognitive slowing over time. Although higher average UPDRS scores were significantly associated with overall poorer executive functions, there was no association between UPDRS and executive functioning longitudinally. UPDRS scores did not significantly relate to longitudinal memory performances. Regarding neural correlates, greater increases in UPDRS scores were associated with reduced intra-subcortical network connectivity over time. There were no relationships with intra-frontoparietal or inter-subcortical-frontoparietal connectivity.Conclusions: Our findings add to the aging literature by indicating that mild motor changes are negatively associated with cognition and network connectivity in functionally intact adults.

scholarly journals CHA2DS2-VASc Stroke Risk Index and Executive Functioning in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-164
Author(s):  
Bryant M Duda ◽  
Cierra M Keith ◽  
Lawrence H Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Risk Classification ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Healthy Older Adults

Abstract Objective CHA2DS2-VASc is a stroke risk classification system developed to improve the precision of stroke risk classification. The current study examined the validity of CHA2DS2-VASc in a sample of healthy older adults using executive function measures of processing speed, working memory, and cognitive flexibility that are sensitive to cerebrovascular risk factors. Methods Participants included 51 community-dwelling, healthy older adults (ages 53–86) recruited from both the community and cardiology clinics. CHA2DS2-VASc was utilized as a measure of stroke risk. Measures of executive functioning and processing speed included the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Number–Letter Switching, and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Coding. Results CHA2DS2-VASc scores significantly predicted scores on the PASAT, DKEFS Number-Letter Switching, and RBANS Coding, such that greater stroke risk was associated with poorer performances on tests of executive functioning and processing speed. These relationships were observed over and above the potential influence of educational attainment and symptoms of depression. Conclusion Significant relations between stroke risk classification and performance on several measures of executive functioning provide support for a wider and more generalized use of CHA2DS2-VASc with healthy older adults. These findings further highlight the importance of early identification and treatment of stroke risk factors associated with cognitive decline. Findings suggest that CHA2DS2-VASc is a practical and useful tool for patients and their providers in the early detection of stroke risk and development of individualized treatment plans.

scholarly journals Validation of the German Life-Space Assessment (LSA-D): cross-sectional validation study in urban and rural community-dwelling older adults

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049926
Author(s):  
Sandra Angelika Mümken ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Malte Stollwerck ◽  
Julie Lorraine O'Sullivan ◽  
Joern Kiselev
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectivesTo develop a German version of the original University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment (LSA-D) for measurement of community mobility in older adults within the past 4 weeks and to evaluate its construct validity for urban and rural populations of older adults.DesignCross-sectional validation study.SettingTwo study centres in urban and rural German outpatient hospital settings.ParticipantsIn total, N=83 community-dwelling older adults were recruited (n=40 from urban and n=43 from rural areas; mean age was 78.5 years (SD=5.4); 49.4% men).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe final version of the translated LSA-D was related to limitations in activities and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/iADL) as primary outcome measure (primary hypothesis); and with sociodemographic factors, functional mobility, self-rated health, balance confidence and history of falls as secondary outcome measures to obtain construct validity. Further descriptive measurements of health included hand grip strength, screening of cognitive function, comorbidities and use of transportation. To assess construct validity, correlations between LSA-D and the primary and secondary outcome measures were examined for the total sample, and urban and rural subsamples using bivariate regression and multiple adjusted regression models. Descriptive analyses of LSA-D included different scoring methods for each region. All parameters were estimated using non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.ResultsIn the multiple adjusted model for the total sample, number of ADL/iADL limitations (β=−0.26; 95% CI=−0.42 to −0.08), Timed Up and Go Test (β=−0.37; 95% CI=−0.68 to −0.14), shared living arrangements (β=0.22; 95% CI=0.01 to 0.44) and history of falls in the past 6 months (β=−0.22; 95% CI=−0.41 to −0.05) showed significant associations with the LSA-D composite score, while living in urban area (β=−0.19; 95% CI=−0.42 to 0.03) and male gender (β=0.15; 95% CI=−0.04 to 0.35) were not significant.ConclusionThe LSA-D is a valid tool for measuring life-space mobility in German community-dwelling older adults within the past 4 weeks in ambulant urban and rural settings.Trial registration numberDRKS00019023.

Six Versus 12 Weeks of Outpatient Physical Therapy Including Progressive Resistance Training in Cognitively Intact Older Adults After Hip Fracture: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan A Overgaard ◽  
Thomas Kallemose ◽  
Kathleen K Mangione ◽  
Morten T Kristensen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitively Intact

Abstract Background Recovery of function and regaining muscle strength are challenging after hip fracture. We compared the effectiveness of a 12- versus 6-week outpatient physical therapy program with progressive resistive training (PRT) to increase strength and physical performance. Methods This parallel, superiority, 2-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 clinics that enrolled community-dwelling, cognitively intact older adults (+60 years) with a surgical repair of a hip fracture and no major medical conditions. Participants received 12 or 6 weeks of PRT and standardized physical therapy, twice weekly. Pain was monitored throughout. Primary outcome was the change in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) from baseline to 12-week follow-up. Randomization via a computer-generated allocation sequence was implemented using sealed, sequentially numbered opaque envelopes and assessors were blinded to group assignment. Results Participants (81% women) with a mean (SD) age of 77 (8.1) years were enrolled at an average of 18 days after hip fracture surgery and randomized into a 12-week group (n = 50) or a 6-week group (n = 50). Mean (SD) change scores in the 6MWT were 143.8 (81.1) and 161.5 (84.1) m in the 12- and 6-week groups, respectively (both exceeding the minimal clinically important difference of 55 m). The mean between-group difference was −17.7 m (95% CI −50.1, 14.8). Pain during training did not exceed moderate levels nor increase as training intensity increased. Conclusion Twelve weeks of physical therapy with PRT was not superior to 6 weeks in improving walking distance. Hip fracture-related pain was relatively low and indicated strength testing and training was well tolerated. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT01174589

Effects of golf training on cognition in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 944-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Shimada ◽  
Sangyoon Lee ◽  
Masahiro Akishita ◽  
Koichi Kozaki ◽  
Katsuya Iijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Logical Memory ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundAlthough research indicates that a physically active lifestyle has the potential to prevent cognitive decline and dementia, the optimal type of physical activity/exercise remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the cognitive benefits of a golf-training programme in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe conducted a randomised controlled trial between August 2016 and June 2017 at a general golf course. Participants included 106 Japanese adults aged 65 and older. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 24-week (90–120 min sessions/week) golf-training group or a health education control group. Postintervention changes in Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool scores were regarded as primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included changes in physical performance and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores.ResultsA total of 100 participants (golf training, n=53; control, n=47) completed the assessments after the 24-week intervention period. The adherence to the golf programme was 96.2% (51/53 participants). Analysis using linear mixed models revealed that the golf training group exhibited significantly greater improvements in immediate logical memory (p=0.033), delayed logical memory (p=0.009) and composite logical memory (p=0.013) scores than the control group. However, no significant changes in MMSE, word memory, Trail Making Test or Symbol Digital Substitution Test scores were observed. In addition, no significant changes in grip strength, walking speed or GDS were observed.ConclusionsGolf-based exercise interventions may improve logical memory in older adults, but no significant changes in other cognitive tests. Further follow-up investigations are required to determine whether the observed effects are associated with delayed onset of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.Trial registration numberUMIN-CTR UMIN000024797; Pre-results.

Use and effect of web-based embodied conversational agents for improving eating behavior and decreasing loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean L. Kramer ◽  
Lex van Velsen ◽  
Jenna L. Clark ◽  
Bob C. Mulder ◽  
Emely de Vet
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) have been proposed as a promising interaction modality for the delivery of programs focused on promoting lifestyle changes. However, it is not understood which factors influence use of an ECA and their health effects. OBJECTIVE We aim to (1) identify whether ECAs can persuade community-dwelling older adults to change their dietary behavior and whether ECAs use can decrease loneliness, (2) test these pathways to effects, and (3) understand the use of an ECA. METHODS The web-based eHealth app PACO is a fully automated 8-week intervention in which 2 ECAs engage older adults in dialogue to motivate them to change their dietary behavior and decrease their loneliness. PACO was developed via a human-centered and stakeholder-inclusive design approach and incorporates Self-determination Theory and various behavior change techniques For this study, an unblinded web-based randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were recruited via social media, an online panel, flyers and advertorials. The intervention group received access to the PACO service for eight weeks. The waitlist group received PACO after waiting for four weeks. The primary outcomes, eating behavior and loneliness, were assessed via self-assesed online questionnaires at intake, waitlist, after 4 weeks, and after eight weeks. In addition, the primary outcome—use—was assessed via data logs. Secondary outcomes were measured at the same times, via questionnaires or an optional interview. RESULTS In total, 32 participants completed the intervention. We found a significant correlation between use in minutes on the one hand, and perceived usefulness (r = .39, P =.030) and enjoyment on the other (r = .38, P = .032). However, these did not predict use in the full regression model (F(2,29) = 1.98, P = .16, R2 = .12). Additionally, PACO use did not lead to improvements in eating behavior (χ2(2) = .34, = .85) or a decrease in loneliness (χ2(2) = .02, = .99). CONCLUSIONS Our study did not provide any concluding evidence about factors that are linked to the use or health effects of ECAs. Future service design could benefit from either creating a functional design catered towards the predominant stage of the targeted population, or by personalizing the service based on an intake in which the end-user’s stage is determined. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04510883; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04510883 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/22186

A Web-based versus a Print-based Physical Activity Intervention for Community-dwelling Older Adults: Randomized Trial With a Cross-over Design (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Pischke ◽  
Claudia Voelcker-Rehage ◽  
Tiara Ratz ◽  
Manuela Peters ◽  
Christoph Buck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Despite the crucial role of regular physical activity (PA) for preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, fewer than half of older adults in Germany engage in the recommended levels of endurance training. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare acceptance and effectiveness of two interventions (web- vs. print-based) for PA promotion among initially inactive community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above in a nine-month randomized trial with a cross-over design. METHODS Participants were recruited offline and randomized to one of the following interventions for self-monitoring PA: (a) a print-based intervention (PRINT n=113), (b) a web-based intervention (WEB, n=129). Thirty percent (n=38) of those in group (b) received a PA tracker in addition to WEB (WEB+, (c)). After randomization, participants and researchers were not blinded. Participants’ intervention preferences at baseline were assessed retrospectively. All intervention groups were offered ten weekly face-to-face group sessions led by trained assistants. Afterwards, participants could choose to stay in their group or cross over to one of the other groups and group sessions were continued monthly for another six months. Three-dimensional accelerometers to assess PA and sedentary behavior (SB) at baseline (T0), three-month (T1) and nine-month follow-ups (T2) were employed. Adherence to PA recommendations, attendance of group sessions, and acceptance of the interventions were assessed via self-administered paper-based questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to calculate differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and SB between time points and intervention groups. RESULTS One-hundred and ninety-five participants completed T1. Only n=1 changed from WEB to PRINT and n=15 moved from PRINT to WEB (WEB-WEB: n=103, PRINT-PRINT: n=76) when offered to cross over at T1. One-hundred and sixty participants completed T2. MVPA in min per day increased between baseline and T1, but these within-group changes in time disappeared after adjusting for covariates. MVPA decreased by 9 min per day between baseline and T2 (βtime = -9.37, 95% CI: [-18.58; -0.16]), regardless of intervention group (WEB vs. PRINT: βgroup*time = -3.76, 95% CI: [-13.33; 5.82], WEB+ vs. PRINT: βgroup*time = 1.40, 95% CI: [-11.04; 13.83]). Nineteen percent of the participants met PA recommendations at T0, 20% at T1, and 20% at T2. For SB, there were no significant group differences and group-by-time interactions, neither at T1 nor at T2. Intervention acceptance was generally high. Use of intervention material was high to moderate at T1 (e.g., the PA diary was used by over 65% at least once a week) and decreased by T2 (40-50% in PRINT and in WEB used the PA diary at least once a week, and 58% in WEB+). CONCLUSIONS Despite high levels of acceptance of web- and print-based interventions for PA promotion and little movement between groups at T1, when given the choice, participation was not associated with increases in PA or decreases in SB over time. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00016073 (Date of registration 10–01-2019).

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