Video Chat as a Tool to Enhance Cognitive Reserve: Introduction of a Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Past epidemiological studies have demonstrated that larger social networks or more frequent social interactions may have protective effects against cognitive decline and the incidence of dementia. We developed a multi-center randomized controlled trial to examine whether face-to-face communications through internet with trained interviewers has a positive effect on cognitive functions. Socially isolated older adults with either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are being recruited from Meals on Wheels programs in Portland, OR and Detroit, MI. Dual primary outcomes are cognitive functions in memory and executive functions and secondary outcome is the change in objective assessment of instrumental activities of daily living including an electronic pillbox that monitor medication adherence. Exploratory outcomes include changes in language characteristics and brain structure using MRI/fMRI. User-friendly Internet communication programs may improve the feasibility and cost-effective execution of social-interaction-based prevention trials. The protocol could serve as a future reference for similar behavioral interventions.