Protocol for an intergenerational randomized controlled trial to enhance physical activity in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease - 10/01/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.tjpad.2024.100039

Caitlin S. Walker ^a,^⁎ , Adrián E. Noriega de la Colina ^b,^d,^e,^g, Linda Li ^c, Carolynn Boulanger ^h, Nagashree Thovinakere ^b,^m, Alix Noly-Gandon ^b, Garance Barnoin ^j, Mitchell Bennett ^j, Jillian Caplan ^h, Laurence Côté ^h, Sarah Elbaz ⁱ, Shania Fock Ka Bao ⁿ, Ryan Kara ^b, Nicolas Lavoie ^h, Maggie Nguyen ⁿ, Franciska Otaner ^h, Helen Pallett-Wiesel ^k, Johanie Victoria Piché ^h, Andreanne Powers ⁱ, Sofia Ricciardelli ^h, Kayla Williams ^b, Christine Déry ^d,^g, Jennifer Tremblay-Mercier ^d, Judes Poirier ^d,^g, Sylvia Villeneuve ^b,^d,^f,^g, Arthur F. Kramer ^l,^o, Maiya R. Geddes ^b,^d,^e,^g,^l,^m
The PREVENT-AD Research Group^d
^a Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^b The Neuro, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^c Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^d Centre for Studies in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^e Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
^f McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC), MNI, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^g McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^h Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
ⁱ Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
^j Department of Arts and Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^k School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
^l Center for Cognitive & Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
^m Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
ⁿ Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
^o Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA

^⁎Corresponding author at: Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital Cognitive Neuroscience Research GroupMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada

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Abstract

Background

Physical inactivity is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in North America. Despite this, most older adults are physically inactive. It is currently unknown how to successfully motivate physical activity behavior in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and this knowledge is crucial for early and effective disease prevention. Prior research has shown that intergenerational social engagement and prosocial behaviours can enhance the health and well-being of older adults.

Objectives

This manuscript describes the design of a randomized controlled trial that will test the efficacy of a behavioral intervention to enhance physical activity in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Design/setting

This is a single-blinded, two-arm stratified randomized controlled trial that incorporates a hybrid efficacy and implementation design. Participants are randomized to an intervention or control condition in a 1:1 ratio and are stratified by a multimodal Alzheimer's disease risk score. All study visits are conducted remotely through videoconferencing.

Participants

The study aims to recruit 60 older adults with a first-degree family history of Alzheimer's disease from the PREVENT-AD cohort and 30 younger adults who are paired with older adults in the intervention condition.

Intervention

Older participants in the intervention group will be paired with younger study partners and receive positive, daily messages over four weeks using a novel technology platform. The daily messages combine intergenerational social engagement (growing a virtual garden with a younger study partner) and prosocial goals (donations to charity after reaching step count goals).

Measurements

The primary outcome is change in step count compared to baseline measured using a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer. Secondary outcomes include time spent physically active, mood, generativity, loneliness, and cognition. Target mechanisms (social support and generativity) of physical activity engagement will be examined. Ease of use, acceptability, and feasibility of the technology as well as barriers and facilitators of participation will be assessed.

Conclusions

This research will advance our understanding of mechanisms and individual differences underlying successful physical activity engagement in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. This knowledge will contribute to strategies for promoting health behaviours that can prevent the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

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Keywords : Alzheimer's disease, clinical trial, behavioral intervention, physical activity, intergenerational