# Influence of Strategy Training on Disability for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2020 · $612,113

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Loss of cognitive abilities leading to Alzheimer's disease is progressive and destructive, leaving older adults
disabled and unable to recall their past. The number of older adults with Alzheimer's disease is expected to
triple by the year 2050, yet little research examines amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, executive function, and
progression of disability. Even less examines non-pharmacological interventions designed to slow progression
to disability for these older adults. We propose to test the influence of a novel and promising non-
pharmacological intervention on progression of disability in a sample of 150 older adults with Mild Cognitive
Impairment (MCI) who have previously completed Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging with
Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB). Our intervention is Strategy Training. Strategy training optimizes engagement in
meaningful daily activities through generating self-selected goals, monitoring daily activities, scheduling
activities, and problem-solving solutions to barriers experienced when engaging in activities. Occupational
therapists deliver Strategy Training in older adults' homes to enhance real-world application. We completed a
preliminary randomized controlled trial of Strategy Training (N=30), and we found a moderate effect size
(Cohen's d = 0.54) for between-group differences on disability at 6 months. In this Phase II trial, we will test the
effect of Strategy Training compared to Enhanced Usual Care on change in disability among older adults with
MCI and assess the extent to which brain imaging and neurocognitive function modify the relationship between
Strategy Training and Enhanced Usual Care on change in disability. Interventions, such as Strategy Training,
focused on slowing emergence of disability despite underlying pathology may keep older adults as engaged in
meaningful daily activities for as long as possible. This project tests a novel and promising non-
pharmacological intervention and will inform our understanding of important effect modifiers -Aβ deposition and
executive function- on change in performance of cognitively challenging daily activities. Enhancing our
understanding of Aβ deposition, executive function, disability, and a promising non-pharmacological
intervention could support aging for millions of older adults who, in our near future, will experience disability
related to MCI.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9856948
- **Project number:** 5R01AG056351-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Juleen Rodakowski
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $612,113
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-01 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9856948

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9856948, Influence of Strategy Training on Disability for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (5R01AG056351-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9856948. Licensed CC0.

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