# Conversational Engagement as a Means to Delay Onset AD: Phase II Administrative Supplement

> **NIH NIH R01** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $384,997

## Abstract

Epidemiological studies show that larger social networks and more frequent social interactions are associated
with lower incidence of AD. We hypothesize that increasing social interaction could improve and sustain
cognitive function. In our previous randomized, controlled, behavioral clinical trial, we developed a
conversation-based social interaction cognitive stimulation protocol delivered by trained interviewers through
personal computers, webcams, and a user-friendly interactive Internet interface. Daily 30-minute face-to-face
communications were conducted over a 6-week trial period in the intervention group, while control subjects
received weekly phone contacts among community-dwelling elderly (mean age of 80 years old). This feasibility
study demonstrated high adherence and efficacy in language-based executive functions among those with
normal cognition. Building on these positive results, the current study proposes a Phase IIA trial to advance
this intervention. We propose to target individuals aged 80 and older with normal cognition and limited
opportunities for social interactions - a group at high risk for incidence Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). In Aim
1, we will examine the trial efficacy using validated cognitive composite outcomes previously used in the ADNI
data, in the domains of executive (ADNI-EF, primary outcome) and memory (ADNI-MEM, secondary) functions.
Psychological well-being and person-specific levels of social interactions (i.e., average conversation outside of
the trial) will be monitored and controlled. In Aim 2, we will assess efficacy in the same cognitive domains as in
Aim 1, but using the NIH-Toolbox cognitive test battery, which is expected to have higher signal-to-noise ratio
of pre- to post-trial changes and to provide cross-validation of domain responsiveness. Because the NIH-
Toolbox iPad version has not been used extensively (released in August of 2015), this aim is exploratory. The
Toolbox episodic memory assessment, which tasks both visual and auditory processing, captures the areas
expected to be stimulated in our trial. Aim 3 will explore the underlying mechanisms of efficacy of enhanced
social interaction on cognition by comparing pre- to post- trial changes in selected brain regions using MRI and
voxel-based morphometry. Structural and functional connectivity between amygdala and superior temporal
sulcus will also be assessed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state fMRI (R-fMRI). A total of
144 subjects will be recruited at Portland, Oregon, and Detroit, Michigan, collaborating with Meals on Wheels
and the Area Agency on Aging, providing a large sampling frame of those with low income and from ethnic
minorities. Increasing daily social contact through communication technologies could offer a cost-effective
home-based prevention that could slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of AD. The targeted age group
is the fastest growing segment of the population in most developed countries ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10058784
- **Project number:** 3R01AG051628-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** HIROKO Hayama DODGE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $384,997
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-15 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10058784

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10058784, Conversational Engagement as a Means to Delay Onset AD: Phase II Administrative Supplement (3R01AG051628-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10058784. Licensed CC0.

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