Università degli Studi di Trento
Despite robust evidence supporting the link between falls and cognitive decline, the precise mechanisms underpinning this association remain elusive, as does the potential efficacy of targeted interventions to mitigate these risk factors. To address these knowledge gaps, the MOVE project aims to evaluate the differential effects of two interventions in modifying cognitive (i.e., prospective memory) and physical (i.e., risk of falls) decline trajectories, as well as evaluating aspects of intervention-induced neural plasticity through advanced MRI indices. Methods: The population of interest is represented by individuals at risk of cognitive decline enrolled from the general population (i.e. individuals with pre-mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline). Ninety participants will be randomly assigned to a physical (MOT, n=30) or cognitive intervention (COG, n=30), or to a control group (WAIT, n=30). Clinical and neuropsychological data, as well as lifestyle and motor measures, will be collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention by staff blinded to the subject assigned treatment. Primary outcomes are represented by post-pre changes in a measure of prospective memory and in a fall risk prevention test, as well as changes in brain morphometry. Exploratory outcomes will include post-intervention changes in a measure of subjective cognitive decline, loneliness and in metrics of cerebral tissue microstructure. Results: We expect that the group receiving the MOT compared to the WAIT and COG groups will show a significantly lower risk of falls assessed through the fall risk prevention test at post-intervention evaluation. On the other hand, we expect in the COG group a better performance in an ad hoc test developed to evaluate prospective memory compared to the other groups. However, considering the association between cognitive decline and risk of falls, crossed secondary effects of training could be observed. Conclusion: The project will provide novel data on possible modulation of cognitive and physical status under the effect of a physical or cognitive intervention program, also unraveling the effects at the neural level opening new avenues in defining preventive interventions in aging.
10 October 2024 – 28 February 2025
In the first period, the Maintaining Overall cognitive and physical functioning in at-risk older adults (MOVE) project completed the activities of WP1, with the organisation of the kick-off meeting, publication of notices for two research grants, preparation of the Case Report Form and database (D1.2) and obtaining the positive opinion of the Ethics Committee of the University of Trento (27/02/2025, D1.1). In WP4, the motor and cognitive intervention protocols (24 sessions of 50 minutes) were defined and finalised, the BrainHQ software was selected, and the tablets were set up for delivery (Milestone 4.1). In WP3, the MRI protocols were optimised and the sequences for acquisition compatible with 45-minute times were tested, pending enrolment for data collection. Enrolment (WP2) did not start on schedule due to ethical approval timelines; however, expressions of interest were collected, screening of 50+30 subjects was planned for March 2025, and enrolment was extended to M7-M8. In WP6, the project was disseminated through public events (Alzheimer Café, Stimola_Mente, CISMed, Brain Awareness Week) and further meetings and scientific presentations were scheduled (AAIC 2025, ISMRM Kyoto). Activities are proceeding in line with the revised schedule, although there is a critical risk associated with the overall reduction in project duration (from 15 to 12 months), which could hinder the achievement of the sample size and the full implementation of the interventions.