A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial of Multifaceted Educational Intervention for Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly Malays in Kuala Lumpur

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of health education in changing nutritional, lifestyle, and cognitive function of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsThirty-five elderly individuals with MCI (mean age 65.7 ± 3.8 years, 45.7% men) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 17) and control (n = 18) groups. The intervention group participated in monthly sessions on nutrition and lifestyle education for 12 months, based on a booklet (‘7 Guides to Enhance Elderly Memory’). Outcomes (cognitive performance, biomarkers, dietary intake, and knowledge, attitude and practice, knowledge, attitude, and practice score) were measured at 6 and 12 months.ResultsRepeated-measure analysis of covariance showed significant improvements in serum B12 (ηp2 = 0.094, p = 0.049), homocysteine (ηp2 = 0.113, p = 0.022), vitamin C (ηp2 = 0.140, p = 0.019), sodium (ηp2 = 0.321, p = 0.000), potassium (ηp2 0.321, p = 0.006), knowledge (ηp2 = 0.220, p = 0.001), and attitude (ηp2 = 0.105, p = 0.040) in the intervention group over the control group. Individuals in the intervention group showed a significantly higher percentage of improvement in block design (+53.7%) compared to the control group (+8.0%), (p < 0.05).ConclusionA 12-month educational intervention on nutritional, lifestyle, and cognitive exercise significantly improved nutritional status, knowledge, and attitude score. The study lacked power to demonstrate a statistically significant positive effect on cognitive functioning; thus, the preliminary findings should be confirmed in a larger trial.