Combination of mind-body physical exercise,
cognitive training, and nurse-led risk factor
modification for older adults with mild cognitive
impairment: a randomised controlled trial
(abridged secondary publication)
SYS Wong1, LCW Lam2, TC Lee2, BHK Yip1, ELY Wong1, EKP Lee1, DD Zhang1
1 Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
2 Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- We compared the effects of health advice alone, nurse-led risk factor modification (RFM) alone, and a combination of cognitive training, mind-body physical exercise, and nurse-led RFM on preventing cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- Although Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale scores significantly improved from baseline across all three groups, the combination and nurse-led RFM groups did not demonstrate additional benefits relative to the health advice group.
- Future research should focus on identifying the characteristics of older adults with MCI who derive the most benefit from interventions, and on more accurately describing the natural history of MCI.
- Future studies can also explore optimal intervention dosage, including the intensity, duration, and formats of physical exercise and cognitive training.
- Early identification of MCI and improved strategies for participant retention, with more intensive follow-up, may be needed.