Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A feasibility trial
Funded by NIHR Research for Patient Benefit. Key contact: Dr Moghaddam.
The main aim of this study is to develop and conduct feasibility and pilot studies exploring Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training (SMART) for people with MCI.
For more information please visit :
https://www.institutemh.org.uk/research/projects-and-studies/current-studies/smart-mci
| PROJECT TITLE | STRENGTHENING MENTAL ABILITIES WITH RELATIONAL TRAINING (SMART) IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI): A FEASIBILITY TRIAL |
| Funding body | NIHR RfPB |
| Total funding | £ 37205 |
| Team | · Nima Moghaddam (School of Psychology, UoL) · Stephanie Maloney (University of Lincoln UoL) · Prof Graham Law, LinCTU, University of Lincoln (UoL) · Dr Elise Rowan, LinCTU, University of Lincoln (UoL) · Dr Nikos Evangelou (University of Nottingham) · Prof Roshan das Nair (University of Nottingham) · Dr David L. Dawson (University of Lincoln UoL) · Dr James Turton (PPI Lead) · Dr Bryan Roche (Maynooth University) · Dr Annie Hawton (University of Exeter) · Dr Rupert Burge (University of Lincoln UoL) · Priya Sharma, LinCTU, University of Lincoln (UoL) · Alexandra C Frost (University of Nottingham) · Dr Zahid Asghar (University of Lincoln UoL) |
| Team/consortium | · University of Lincoln · University of Nottingham · University of Exeter · Maynooth University |
| Overarching aim | To assess the acceptability and feasibility of the SMART programme as a prospective intervention for improving cognitive functioning in people with MCI. |
| Objectives | We will assess: Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention, delivery format, inclusion/exclusion criteria, baseline and outcome measures, randomisation protocol, and study proceduresParticipant recruitment and retention ratesSignal of efficacyMissing data |
| Methods | Consenting eligible patients will complete a baseline cognitive assessment battery and questionnaires assessing impact of living with MCI, health-related quality of life, subjective cognitive difficulties, and service/resource-use. After completing baseline assessments, participants will be randomly allocated to one of three arms (using block randomisation to balance numbers across arms): 1. SMART +TAU. Participants in this arm will receive treatment-as-usual (TAU) plus the experimental SMART intervention (theory-based cognitive training, described under Intervention below). 2. TAU. Participants in this arm will receive treatment-as-usual (TAU). 3. Sham training (active control: Sudoku) +TAU. Participants in this arm will receive treatment-as-usual (TAU) plus a control (sham) cognitive training intervention: Sudoku. A Research Fellow will complete blinded outcomes at 3- and 6-months post-randomisation, by re-administering baseline measures. |
| Outcomes | The outcomes in this study relate to the acceptability and feasibility of both the SMART intervention and applied research methods: Intervention drop-out rate: Numbers in the intervention condition that drop out (complete <6 sessions) and reasons for intervention non-completion Recruitment and retention rates: Numbers eligible/interested/consented and randomised (and reasons for non-participation), number completing baseline and outcome assessments Completion rates of outcome measures: Missing response data |
| Outputs | Peer reviewed publications: Conference presentations: |
| Impact | The hope is that a fully developed intervention will be tested in a full clinical trial. |