Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Dementia is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and it is predicted that the number of people living with dementia will double by 2045. Many of the risk factors for dementia, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, high stress, and social isolation, are things that we can control. Research suggests that by addressing these modifiable factors, nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented. My proposed dissertation focuses on older adults who experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD), where they notice subtle changes in memory or thinking that are not yet detectable by common medical tests. Individuals with SCD are at higher risk for future dementia. This project will explore how certain lifestyle factors, such as staying physically active, eating nutritious food, managing stress, and staying socially connected, are linked to SCD. It will also test whether a mobile health (mHealth) intervention can help older adults adopt healthier behaviors and reduce cognitive symptoms. In the first phase, older adults with SCD will use a smartphone app to track their daily habits and cognitive symptoms over two weeks. This will help us understand how everyday behaviors affect subjective cognitive symptoms. In the second phase, participants will be split into two groups, where one will take part in a psychoeducation program through an mHealth app, designed to teach them ways to improve their lifestyle habits. We will then assess whether they make these changes and if their cognitive symptoms decrease as compared to the second group. This research will improve personal health by empowering older adults to take control of their cognitive health through healthy lifestyle changes. It may benefit the health of aging populations by identifying effective strategies to reduce dementia risk. Additionally, the use of mobile health tools may offer a new way for healthcare systems to provide accessible, remote support for older adults, especially in underserved communities.