TailorEd iNtervention for brain HeAlth aNd Cognitive Enrichment for underserved people at higher risk of dementia in the UK (The ENHANCE Trial)
Background:
Dementia affects 7% of the UK population aged 65+, with greater prevalence in persons from socially deprived backgrounds and specific ethnic groups. It is theoretically possible to prevent nearly 40% of dementia cases by addressing 12 modifiable risk factors.
The ENHANCE intervention is an electronic health multidomain smartphone app, consisting of a personalised dementia risk profile and evidence-informed interventions to facilitate positive behavioural change, along with coaching support.
Aim of study:
To undertake a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the ENHANCE intervention.
Enrolment:
Potential participants aged ≥60 and ≤80 years, and with ≥3/10 identified dementia risk factors are referred from GP practices and assessed for eligibility. Once consented, they will be randomised 1:1 to receive the ENHANCE intervention or allocated to care as usual. Participants receiving the intervention will be provided with a tablet to access the ENHANCE app. Baseline assessments are conducted by a trained healthcare professional, and 12 fortnightly coaching sessions will be provided remotely or face-to-face. The intervention ends at 6-months post-randomisation. Patients from both cohorts will be followed up at 6 months and 12 months post-randomization.
This study will be allocated support from the SWC RRDN’s Agile Research Delivery Team (formally Direct Delivery Team) who could assist with baseline visits, consent, delivery of coaching sessions and follow-up.
UCL are keen to recruit from practices serving patients from areas of high socioeconomic deprivation and underrepresented groups to target those most at risk of developing dementia in the future. The main RCT with internal pilot expected to greenlight in Summer 2025. Further details to follow.