Effects of a multicomponent intervention to slow mild cognitive impairment progression: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment affects 36% of people aged ≥65 years in China, around 50% of whom will develop dementia within 3 years. Early intervention can slow disease progression and delay the onset of dementia; however, whether a multicomponent intervention can decelerate the progression of mild cognitive impairment remains unknown. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a multicomponent intervention to slow mild cognitive impairment progression in Chinese patients. DesignRandomized controlled trial. Setting(s) and participantsThis study was conducted in two large regional communities in Guangzhou, China. Patients aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment were included. MethodsA total of 112 eligible participants were assigned to receive either a 6-month multicomponent intervention or usual care from September 2019 until January 2021. Data were collected at the beginning of the study and at 1, 3, and 6 months thereafter. The primary outcomes were cognitive function, comprehensive physical capacity, depression, and quality of life. Analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A generalized estimating equation was used to determine intervention effects. ResultsAt baseline, clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Significant interaction effects between time and group were detected (p < 0.001), indicating that the scores of five outcomes (cognitive function, short physical performance battery, timed up and go test, quality of life, and depression) of intervention and control groups changed differently over time. Participants in the intervention group were found to have a significantly greater improvement in cognitive function, physical function, quality of life, and fewer depression symptoms compared with the control group at baseline and follow-up periods. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the beneficial effects of a multicomponent intervention on cognitive function, physical function, depression symptoms, and quality of life in people with mild cognitive impairment in the East Asia region. The effectiveness and feasibility of this intervention program suggest that its application should be promoted in community settings to delay the progression of disease in people with mild cognitive impairment.Registration number:ChiCTR1900026042Tweetable abstract: The multicomponent intervention improves cognitive/physical function, depression, and quality of life, slowing cognitive impairment progression.