APPLE-Tree programme for dementia prevention: pilot and RCT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The APPLE Tree programme: Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia through Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to build REsiliEnce: Pilot of the intervention and Randomised Controlled Trial
IRAS ID
274277
Contact name
Claudia Cooper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN17325135
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2019/11/96 , UCL Data Protection Registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
We want to test a prevention programme to lower older people’s chances of getting dementia. The half of older people (aged 60+) who have problems with “cognition” (memory, orientation and other thinking) have more chance of getting dementia, so we have tried to design an approach that works for them. The programme aims to help older people make changes that can prevent dementia:
Being more socially, mentally and physically active
Eating more healthily
Looking after their mental and physical health
Stopping smoking
Reducing alcohol.
We will find out whether people receiving our programme have less cognitive problems over two years than people who only receive an information leaflet; if so, how our programme worked, and if it is good value for money.We will pilot the new programme in one group of 10-12 people with memory problems without dementia.
Then we will randomly allocate 704 people with memory problems without dementia, so they have an equal chance of receiving the new programme or an information leaflet.
The programme involves 10 group sessions over 6 months, with individual sessions for people who cannot come to groups. Two facilitators will lead the groups. They will be trained and supervised by an experienced psychologist to keep to a manual so sessions are delivered in the same way each time. Groups will take place in NHS and third sector organisations. Intervention participants will also have access to the APPLE-Tree website with information about preventing dementia.We will ask participants to complete questionnaires, including a memory test and give a voluntary blood sample, before the programme starts and 6 and 24 months later. We will interview around 45 people taking part in or running the groups to hear what went well and what could be better. We will see whether and how they access the website.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0034
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion