Abstract
Introduction
As our population grows older and people are living longer, they are increasingly more likely to have complex co-morbidities, ill-health and frailty (Oliver et al. 2014). One of the major contributors to ill health in this population, and a current public health challenge, is cognitive decline. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) has been referred to as the transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia, and suggested to be the optimum stage for preventative intervention (Voisin et al. 2003).
Research evidence suggests a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) on cognition (Martinez-Lapiscina et al., 2013; Singh et al., 2014; Valis-Pedret et al., 2015). Qualitative research lead by Neville et al., (2013) evaluated the usability of MD educational material to encourage behaviour change among MCI patients. The present research study builds upon the results of Neville et al., (2013), using the feedback received to further develop an intervention and explore the relevant behaviour change techniques specific to this target group.
Methods
(1) Refinement of MD educational material and Systematic Review; (2) Evaluation of Mediterranean lifestyle education resource through structured interviews with MCI participants and (3) a 12-month pilot randomised controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of a theory-based, tailored Mediterranean Lifestyle Education Intervention to encourage dietary behaviour change MCI participants.
The refinement phase of the MD educational material has been finalised and is currently being reviewed by MCI participants through structured interviews. Once completed, this feedback will help to further refine the intervention before the 12-month pilot RCT commences.
Conclusion
This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility of a definitive trial among MCI patients and has the potential to benefit this patient group in terms of encouraging behaviour change and ultimately maintaining or improving their level of memory impairment.
As our population grows older and people are living longer, they are increasingly more likely to have complex co-morbidities, ill-health and frailty (Oliver et al. 2014). One of the major contributors to ill health in this population, and a current public health challenge, is cognitive decline. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) has been referred to as the transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia, and suggested to be the optimum stage for preventative intervention (Voisin et al. 2003).
Research evidence suggests a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) on cognition (Martinez-Lapiscina et al., 2013; Singh et al., 2014; Valis-Pedret et al., 2015). Qualitative research lead by Neville et al., (2013) evaluated the usability of MD educational material to encourage behaviour change among MCI patients. The present research study builds upon the results of Neville et al., (2013), using the feedback received to further develop an intervention and explore the relevant behaviour change techniques specific to this target group.
Methods
(1) Refinement of MD educational material and Systematic Review; (2) Evaluation of Mediterranean lifestyle education resource through structured interviews with MCI participants and (3) a 12-month pilot randomised controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of a theory-based, tailored Mediterranean Lifestyle Education Intervention to encourage dietary behaviour change MCI participants.
The refinement phase of the MD educational material has been finalised and is currently being reviewed by MCI participants through structured interviews. Once completed, this feedback will help to further refine the intervention before the 12-month pilot RCT commences.
Conclusion
This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility of a definitive trial among MCI patients and has the potential to benefit this patient group in terms of encouraging behaviour change and ultimately maintaining or improving their level of memory impairment.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Unpublished - 15 Mar 2017 |
| Event | Alzheimer's Research UK Conference 2017 - SECC , Aberdeen, United Kingdom Duration: 13 Mar 2017 → 15 Mar 2017 |
Conference
| Conference | Alzheimer's Research UK Conference 2017 |
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| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Aberdeen |
| Period | 13/03/2017 → 15/03/2017 |
Keywords
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DIET
