Methods and initial characteristics of aged participants in a randomized clinical trial on cognitive stimulation

• Published in: Alzheimer's & dementia 2024-12, Vol.20 (S3), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Silva, Thais Bento Lima, Ordonez, Tiago Nascimento, dos Santos, Gabriela, Moreira, Ana Paula Bagli, Costa, Laydiane Alves, Perpétuo, Bárbara, Lessa, Patrícia Prata, Moraes, Luiz Carlos, Cardoso, Neide Pereira, Brucki, Sonia, Yassuda, Monica Sanches
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1552-5260; 1552-5279
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.090062

Background Scientific investigations underscore the cognitive, psychological, and social benefits of cognitive stimulation for aged individuals, yet rigorous long‐term studies remain limited. Method This outlines the methods and initial participant characteristics of a controlled, randomized clinical trial on cognitive stimulation. A total of 578 aged individuals responded to the study call, with 362 meeting eligibility criteria. Subsequently, 255 participants were selected and randomized into Training Group (TG), Active Control Group (ACG), and Passive Control Group (PCG). During the baseline phase (T0), 48 participants withdrew, resulting in a T0 sample of 207 participants. Result The three groups exhibited homogeneity in cognitive performance, sociodemographic, and psychosocial variables, with only depressive symptoms showing a significant difference, where TG scored higher. Despite this difference, other variables indicated equivalence among the research groups. Conclusion The outlined methods serve as inspiration for future research on cognitive stimulation in the aged.