Promoting Healthy Ageing with Cognitive
Exercise (PACE) Study
We're Now Recruiting!
Study Background
There is some suggestion, from recent research, that in older adults increased participation in mentally stimulating leisure activity (eg. reading; completing crossword puzzles) is associated with better cognitive (mental abilities) performances and a reduced risk of dementia. The purpose of the PACE study is to further explore this issue and to investigate whether a cognitive activity program, especially designed for older adults with mild memory problems, is beneficial for memory and well being.
We will be recruiting 160 people, aged 65 and over, with mild memory problems. Participants will be randomly assigned (like tossing a coin) to either a 5-week cognitive activity program focussing on cognitive training and rehabilitation techniques or to a 5-week educational program providing information on healthy ageing and retirement. The study will run for 12 months and involve participants visiting Royal Perth Hospital (RPH).
What will I be required to do?
If you are 65 years of age or older and concerned about your memory, we will ask you a number of screening questions over the telephone to determine whether you may be eligible to participate.
Next, we will invite you to attend a screening assessment at RPH to determine if you meet the study criteria. This screening visit will take approximately 45 minutes and will involve you answering questions and completing some tests (such as memory tests). If you are eligible, you will be randomly assigned (like tossing a coin) to one of the following two groups:
- Cognitive Activity Group: In this group you will be asked to attend 90 minute sessions, twice a week, for five consecutive weeks, and will engage in education and strategy development about ways to manage ageing changes in cognition (eg. attention, memory and language skills). These sessions will be held at RPH and will be conducted with classes of no more than 10 participants.
- Control Education Group: In this group you will participate in 90 minute sessions, twice a week, for five consecutive weeks, and will be provided with information and education regarding a range of issues relevant to older adults (including memory problems, depression, health and retirement). These sessions are also held at RPH and conducted with classes of no more than 10 participants.
Prior to commencing either of the programs, you will undergo an assessment of your cognition and complete questionnaires regarding leisure activities, mood and memory. This assessment will be repeated after the completion of the program and then twelve months later. These assessments will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. In total, you will need to attend RPH 14 times over the course of 12 months.
Obtaining Further Information
Older adults aged 65 and over, who are concerned about their memory, and are interested in participating in the project, are invited to call Cheryl Ackoy on 9224 2855 between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Chief Investigators
Associate Investigators
- Josephine Shaw
- Cheryl Ackoy
