MIND China (China)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiologic studies have estimated that around one‐third of dementia patients worldwide might be attributable to seven modifiable risk factors. This implies that interventions to improve the control of modifiable risk factors may delay the onset of age‐related cognitive disorders such as dementia. We presented the study design and progress of the ongoing randomized controlled multimodal interventions to delay dementia and disability in rural China (MIND‐CHINA).MethodsMIND‐CHINA is designed as a 2‐year cluster‐randomized, controlled, multimodal intervention study, which targets people who are aged 60‐79 years and living in the rural communities of Yanlou Town, western Shandong Province, China. Following the baseline examination, 52 villages in Yanlou Town are randomly (cluster‐randomization) divided into three groups: control group (regular primary health care service), vascular intervention group, and multimodal intervention group. The multimodal intervention program consists of four modules that are sensitive to Chinese lifestyle and sociocultural tradition; medical control of vascular risk factors; lifestyle and nutritional guidelines; group physical exercise and personalized leisure activities; and cognitive training.ResultsIn March‐October 2018, we carried out baseline assessment for MIND‐CHINA that integrated our special examinations with the National Primary Health Care Services, during which 5764 persons were examined. We collected the following data through face‐to‐face interviews, clinical examination, testing, and laboratory tests: epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical data as well as physical function, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. In May‐September 2019, the pilot study was completed to test the feasibility of the intervention programs and the implementation procedure in 7 villages (2 villages in control group, 3 villages in vascular intervention group, and 2 villages in multimodal intervention group). Recruitment of participants for interventions started in Oct/November 2019, and 2265 participants have been successfully recruited so far.ConclusionIt is feasible to integrate a comprehensive health examination program with local primary health care services in rural‐dwelling elderly Chinese people. MIND‐CHINA will be likely to address whether multimodal interventions sensitive to Chinese lifestyle and socioculture help maintain cognitive and physical functioning among community‐dwelling elderly people in rural areas.