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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Dementia | Study protocol

Increasing participation in habitual intellectual activities on modulating functional connectivity of default mode network among older adults at risk of dementia: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Rachel W. K. Yan, Charlotte P. C. Kwok, Jessie O. T. Kwok, Kaspar K. W. Lee, Hanna Lu, Winnie C. W. Chu, Timothy C. Y. Kwok, Linda C. W. Lam, Allen T. C. Lee

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Active participation in intellectual leisure activities such as calligraphy helps prevent cognitive decline and dementia, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. With disrupted functional connectivity (FC) of default mode network (DMN) associated with cognitive decline, we speculate that intellectual activities might optimize cognitive function through modulating FC of DMN. This two-arm single-blind randomized controlled trial aims to identify the effects of increasing practice of calligraphy on cognitive function and FC of DMN in people with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

One hundred twelve community-living Chinese aged 55 to 75 years old with SCD but without mild cognitive impairment or dementia and with prior practice of calligraphy as defined by 1 h of calligraphy per week will be recruited through elderly social centres in Hong Kong and randomized into either control or intervention group. The control group will continue with their usual practice of calligraphy, whereas the intervention group will double their practice of calligraphy. Measurement of cognitive outcomes and neuroimaging on resting-state FC will be performed at baseline and in 6 months. Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to assess cognitive and FC changes, with time being the within-group factor, control/intervention as the between-group measure, and important covariates (age, sex, educational and occupational attainment, health, and other lifestyle factors) controlled for.

Discussion

This study will shed light on the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms of how intellectual activities promotes cognitive maintenance. Our anticipated findings will provide evidence that reversing or slowing FC disruption by actively participating in intellectual activities is still possible for the at-risk individuals.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024433. Registered on 11 July 2019.

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Title: Increasing participation in habitual intellectual activities on modulating functional connectivity of default mode network among older adults at risk of dementia: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rachel W. K. Yan
Charlotte P. C. Kwok
Jessie O. T. Kwok
Kaspar K. W. Lee
Hanna Lu
Winnie C. W. Chu
Timothy C. Y. Kwok
Linda C. W. Lam
Allen T. C. Lee
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Dementia
Dementia
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06271-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Increasing participation in habitual intellectual activities on modulating functional connectivity of default mode network among older adults at risk of dementia: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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