ActivDem

Identifying modifiable psychosocial outcomes to maintain physical ACTIVity and promote independence in DEMentia

Principal Investigator: Dr Ríona Mc Ardle

BAM project members: Jenny Wales

In collaboration with the DETERMIND Project

This study aims to:

 Identify psychosocial characteristics in people with dementia and carer dyads which predict habitual physical activity decline in dementia
Identify how social support and healthcare utilisation impact habitual physical activity decline in dementia
Examine if decline in habitual physical activity reflects decline in functional independence in dementia

Our Methods

At baseline and follow-up, assess physical activity in people with dementia using a single inertial measurement unit worn on the lower back for seven days
Recruit 300 people with dementia and their carers from follow-up assessments of the ongoing DETERMIND study
At baseline and follow-up, ask people with dementia and their carers to answer a series of cognitive and psychosocial questionnaires included in the DETERMIND study

Our Methods

Findings will inform the development of an inclusive intervention to support maintanence of physical activity in dementia post-diagnosis
Statistical analysis will identify key predictors of physical activity loss following dementia diagnosis

Funder: the Art of Healthy Ageing Network, with the UKRI

Collaborators: Dr Ben Hicks, Dr Sayeh Bayat, Dr Nicolas Farina, Dr Vita Lanfranchi, Dr Neil Ireson, Dr Gro Tangen, Dr Calum Hamilton.

Contact: Dr Ríona Mc Ardle