Survey Title: Changing the focus: Facilitating engagement in physical activity for people with dementia in a local community - A feasibility study

University Affiliation: Monash University

Ethics Approval/Reference Number: Monash University HREC project ID:39672

Principle Researcher: Professor Keith Hill

Supervisor(s): N/A

Purpose of study: To pilot and evaluate a new model of community care to facilitate physical activity engagement for people with mild dementia or cognitive impairment.

Background: This research addresses a major unmet need for an early, systematic approach to identify physical activity needs for people with mild dementia, and embed referral pathways/training opportunities for exercise leaders to support improved physical activity options. Without this preventive approach, the high and growing impact of reduced mobility, increased dependence and rates of cognitive decline and falls associated with dementia will continue to escalate. Effective management is required to improve outcomes for the person with dementia and their care partner before later stages of dementia, when problems become greater and less amenable to intervention. ·

What the program is about: The Changing the Focus program is a FREE 12-month physiotherapist-supported program to assist people with mild dementia or cognitive impairment to take part in community-based exercise or physical activity programs. This program aims to assist the person 1) achieve their physical activity goals, and 2) reach and maintain the physical activity guidelines for older people (150 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week).

Participation involves taking part in: • Physical activity program(s) in the local community or at home (or both) for 12 months • 4 home visits for assessments by the research physiotherapist and a discussion at the beginning of the study to decide on a physical activity program to take part in for the 12 months’ time • Telephone support calls in which the research therapist will provide support for your ongoing participation • An interview to help us evaluate the program (optional)

Participation Criteria: Participation criteria for people with mild dementia or cognitive impairment includes: • adults (age ≥60 years) • living in the community of Frankston / Mornington Peninsula region • medical diagnosis of dementia with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score not less than 18; or those without a dementia diagnosis with MMSE of a score of 18-23 inclusive (the research therapist can conduct the MMSE screening for the potential participants) • are non-housebound due to physical impairments (e.g. severe stroke) • are currently not meeting the World Health Organisation physical activity guidelines for older people (<150 minutes moderate/vigorous physical activity/week) • have capacity to consent if an informal care partner /responsible person is not available • are willing to assist in data collection and participate in a semi-structured interview to obtain their perspectives of the program. N.B. Presence of an informal carer is preferred but not essential.

Survey Link: N/A

Contact Details: Dr Angel Lee (Monash University) on (03) 9904 4662 email: angel.lee@monash.edu OR Ms Lisa Licciardi (Monash University) on (03) 9904 4350 email: lisa.licciardi@monash.edu

End date for survey: Our study is recruiting people with mild dementia or cognitive impairment now till March 2025. We are looking for 60 people to participate in the program. Recruitment period ends March 2025.