A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity: Program Satisfaction and Potential Impacts on Perceived Cognitive Change in a Neurologically Mixed Sample of Older Adults.
Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord
; 37(3): 237-242, 2023.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37615487
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Purposeful social interactions are important for healthy aging. We conducted a pilot trial of SPEAK! (Seniors Promoting English Acquisition and Knowledge), an intervention providing older volunteers with a safe, accessible opportunity to converse via webcam with English-language learners.METHODS:
A neurologically mixed sample of older adults was randomized to 8 weekly, webcam conversations with English-language learners or a waitlist control. Outcomes included the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) and surveys of program satisfaction. Here, we report on session completion, intervention satisfaction, and follow-up CCI scores. Exploratory analyses of CCI intervention effects controlled for baseline CCI scores and the interaction between group and baseline CCI.RESULTS:
Participants (N=38) were on average 70.8 years of age, 28/38 were White, and 16/38 demonstrated possible cognitive impairment on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pairs completed 115/136 sessions (85%) and all volunteers said they would recommend the program. Controlling for the interaction between baseline CCI and randomization group, SPEAK! volunteers had better follow-up CCI scores than controls (P=0.018). Improvements in CCI were greater among participants with fewer baseline memory problems.CONCLUSIONS:
SPEAK! was feasible and appreciated by older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Larger studies should confirm benefits for memory and other determinants of quality of life.
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Qualidade de Vida
/
Voluntários
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article