The design and progress of a multidomain lifestyle intervention to improve brain health in middle-aged persons to reduce later Alzheimer's disease risk: The Gray Matters randomized trial.
Introduction
Most Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention studies focus on older adults or persons with existing cognitive impairment. This study describes the design and progress of a novel pilot intervention, the Gray Matters study.


Methods
This proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial tests an evidence-based multidomain lifestyle intervention in 146 persons aged 40 to 64 years, in northern Utah. Data collectors were blinded to participants' randomization to treatment (n = 104) or control (n = 42). Intervention targeted physical activity, food choices, social engagement, cognitive simulation, sleep quality, and stress management, and uses a custom smartphone application, activity monitor, and educational materials. Secondary outcomes include biomarkers, body mass index, cognitive testing, and psychological surveys.


Results
Midway through the study, achievements include a 98.7% retention rate, a 96% rate of compliance with app data entry, and positive trends in behavioral change.


Discussion
Participants were empowered, learning that lifestyle might impact AD risk, exhibiting positive behavioral changes thus far.
['Norton|Maria C|MC|', 'Clark|Christine J|CJ|', 'Tschanz|JoAnn T|JT|', 'Hartin|Phillip|P|', 'Fauth|Elizabeth B|EB|', 'Gast|Julie A|JA|', 'Dorsch|Travis E|TE|', 'Wengreen|Heidi|H|', 'Nugent|Chris|C|', 'Robinson|W David|WD|', 'Lefevre|Michael|M|', 'McClean|Sally|S|', 'Cleland|Ian|I|', 'Schaefer|Sydney Y|SY|', 'Aguilar|Sheryl|S|']
Multidomain Randomized controlled trial Lifestyle behavioral intervention Middle age Technology