Digital Cognitive Multi-domain Alzheimer’s Risk Velocity Study (DCMARVel): Study Design and Methods (Preprint)

BACKGROUND In the US, there are more than 6 million adults living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affecting one out of every three older adults. Currently, there is no cure for AD, though lifestyle-based interventions aimed at slowing the rate of cognitive decline and/or delaying onset of AD have shown promising results. However, most studies primarily focus on older adults (>55years) and utilize in-person interventions. OBJECTIVE Thus, the purpose of the present investigation is to determine the effects of a 2-year digital lifestyle intervention on AD risk among at-risk The lifestyle intervention consists of a digitally delivered, personalized health coaching program directly focused on targeting modifiable risk factors for AD. METHODS The lifestyle intervention consists of a digitally delivered, personalized health coaching program directly focused on targeting modifiable risk factors for AD. The primary outcome measure is AD risk as determined by the ANU-Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI); secondary outcome measures are functional fitness, blood biomarkers (inflammation, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides), and cognitive function (RBANS and Neurotrack Cognitive Battery). Screening began in January 2021 and ended June 2021. RESULTS Baseline characteristics indicate no difference between the intervention and control groups for AD risk (mean = -1.68 + 7.31; p = .90). CONCLUSIONS The intervention in the Digital Cognitive Multi-domain Alzheimer’s Risk Velocity (DCMARVel) is uniquely designed to reduce the risk of AD through a virtual health coaching experience that addresses modifiable lifestyle-based risk factors. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04559789