ActivDem V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying modifiable psychosocial outcomes to maintain physical ACTIVity and promote independence in DEMentia
IRAS ID
304716
Contact name
Riona Mc Ardle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Dementia is a progressive condition with significant memory and thinking difficulties, leading to loss of independence. People with dementia require significant care which may be stressful for themselves, their families and health/social care services. To reduce care needs, we need to ensure people with dementia can maintain their independence as long as possible.
Maintaining everyday physical activities (e.g. walking, housework) may help people with dementia remain independent for longer. People with dementia are less physically active than older adults without dementia. This cannot be explained only by dementia-specific symptoms (e.g. memory loss).
Psychological and social characteristics of both people with dementia and their carers (e.g. coping abilities, social support, mental wellbeing) may influence people with dementia’s abilities to maintain physical activity. By identifying the most influential characteristics, we can use this information to provide better social care support to people with dementia.
Aims
This study aims to identify which psychological and social characteristics in people with dementia and their carers, are associated with significant physical activity loss following diagnosis.Methods
300 participants with dementia and their carers will be recruited from an ongoing study (DETERMIND; https://determind.org.uk/) which is collecting information on psychological and social characteristics of people with dementia and their carers. ActivDem will involve an optional physical activity assessment whereby participants with dementia will wear a small activity monitor on their lower backs for seven days at two timepoints: baseline and one-year follow-up. Participants will answer three additional questionnaires relating to carers’ management strategies, fall risk and physical activity. All primary data will be collected by DETERMIND research staff; researchers from ActivDem will only receive anonymised data.Longitudinal statistical techniques will identify the most influential characteristics on physical activity loss in dementia. Results will contribute to the development of a future intervention for post-diagnostic care.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NE/0230
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion