Grant: Project Grant

This pilot study tests the implementation feasibility, assessment and data management of a participatory intervention with older adults in Montreal and a rural LMIC setting. Our pilot explores three mechanisms of a participatory intervention with older adults and their caregivers: i) share control of the research in ways that balance their shared interests; ii) use recent local evidence about the shared concern and decisions on what to do about it; and iii) innovate to address shared problems. Our question is whether these three dynamics can revitalize brain function in a way that might reduce dementia. In this exploratory study to identify study populations, protocols and participation dynamics, we will recruit older women and men in Montreal and two very similar rural communities in Botswana. A baseline survey will document access to and use of services, problems with services, social networks, and support mechanisms. We will measure cognitive status using standard neuropsychology tools. In intervention groups of older adults, we will collate evidence, discuss solutions, and share results using visual and arts-based communication, allowing participants to review their own living conditions and to help fix their priority issues. We will compare before and after measurements with those receiving the usual care for their situation. We expect to demonstrate implementation and assessment feasibility, and indicative data management within the project life. In addition, the intervention will improve care and services for participating older adults. The visual/arts-based communication allows care givers and healthcare providers to know about aging through the eyes of those who live it, levelling the playing field for those with hearing and other disabilities. This study is a pilot for a randomised controlled future trial to assess the impact of authentic research participation on dementia.