Maintain Your Brain: outcomes of an online program to prevent cognitive decline with aging.

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundEfforts to prevent cognitive decline with aging have had mixed results with successful interventions delivered in person. While online approaches are more scalable and feasible to deliver at a population level, no multimodal online intervention has yet been demonstrated efficacy. We aimed to reduce cognitive decline with ageing using an online package of interventions delivered intensively for 12 months followed by monthly boosters for 24 months.MethodInvitations were sent to people aged 55‐77 years from the 45 and Up study, a population‐based cohort study of one in ten people aged 45 years and older in New South Wales, Australia (n = 267,000). Participants were required to be eligible for at least two of four modules addressing physical inactivity and associated health risks (Physical Activity), adherence to a Mediterranean‐type diet and health risks associated with poor nutrition (Nutrition), cognitive activity (Brain Training) and mental well‐being (Peace of Mind). Participants received modules based on their risks, with 1:1 randomized allocation to active personalised coaching modules (intervention) or static information‐based modules (control). The primary outcome was change in an online combined multi‐domain cognitive score measured using COGSTATE and Cambridge Brain Sciences tests. Secondary outcomes included specific cognitive domain and ANU‐ADRI risk scores.ResultOf 96,418 invitations issued, 14,064 (14%) consented, 11,026 (11%) were eligible and 6,104 (6%) completed all baseline assessments. Over three years, using intention to treat analysis, the intervention group improved significantly more in the global composite cognition (p<0.001). Significant benefits were also found in complex attention, executive function and learning and memory (all p<0.001), as well as on a validated dementia risk instrument (p = 0.007). Results were similar when adjusted for baseline age, gender, dementia risk and number of modules eligible and when analysis was based on those completing follow‐up.ConclusionAn online platform tailored to individuals’ risk factor profiles over three years significantly delayed cognitive decline in older adults. This platform is scalable; if delivered at a population level with may help reduce the prevalence of dementia globally.