Pilot study of the Greek Interventional Geriatric Initiative to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability in individuals with subjective cognitive decline

Paving the way towards brain health clinics in Greece

Bibliographic Data

ID15518570
AuthorsPanagiotis Alexopoulos (0000-0002-9047-6365, Technical University of Munich, corresponding author), Panagiotis Felemegkas (University of Patras), Xanthi Arampatzi, Evdokia Billis (0000-0002-5828-809X, University of Patras), Eleni Dimakopoulou, Polychronis Εconomou (0000-0001-6452-5920, University of Patras), Georgios Dimakopoulos (0000-0002-2351-7411, Ionian University), Themis P Exarchos (0000-0001-9420-9419, Ionian University), Maria Frounta, Parthenia Giannakopoulou (0009-0003-8852-940X, Imperial College London), Kalliopi Kalaitzi, Maria Koula, Eftyhia Nastou (University of Patras), Maria Skondra (University of Patras), Paraskevi Sakka (0000-0003-4195-492X), Faidra Kalligerou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Nikolaos Skarmeas (Columbia University), Marianna Tsatali (0000-0002-5972-8616, Heidelberg University), Magdalini Krommyda (Queen's Hospital), Maria Karala, Nikolaos Mastoras, Panagiotis Vlamos (0000-0003-0053-7847, Ionian University), Mary Yannakoulia (0000-0003-2171-7337, Harokopio University of Athens), Ioannis Zaganas (0000-0002-0774-5772, University of Crete), Maria Karataraki (University of Crete), Maria Basta (0000-0002-6629-8482, University Hospital of Heraklion), Constantine G Lyketsos (0000-0003-3827-4720)
Year2025
Volume16
Pages1514227-1514227
Publication date2025-03-18
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1514227
PMID40171308
OpenAlexW4408579288
LanguageEN
References cited12

The pilot phase of the Greek Interventional Geriatric Initiative to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (GINGER) aims to assess the feasibility of a multi-level dementia risk reduction intervention in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) over a six-month period. The study design incorporates a comprehensive set of trans-disciplinary assessments and interventions in multiple centers across Greece. Individuals 55 years or older with subjective cognitive complaints who do not fulfill criteria for either mild cognitive impairment or dementia are screened for dementia risk factors in the following domains: nutrition, physical activities, vision and hearing, vascular and metabolic parameters, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and insomnia. All GINGER participants receive a cognitive empowerment intervention. Using a precision medicine approach, they receive up to three additional domain-specific interventions based on their individual risk factor profiles. Changes in cognition, dementia risk factors, quality of life and other measures compared to baseline are assessed at three- and six months after the initiation of the intervention. The GINGER protocol was designed and is run by a multi-disciplinary team of dieticians, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physiotherapists, while computer scientists oversee data management. The objectives of this pilot phase are (i) evaluation of the protocol's feasibility, (ii) assessment of intervention effects on the individual risk domains targeted by the interventions, (iii) estimation of the overall effects of the intervention on cognitive function, dementia risk and quality of life. The GINGER findings will provide a solid foundation for paving the way towards a network of evidence-based brain health clinics in Greece

Cognition · Cognitive decline · Cognitive disabilities · Cognitive impairment · Dementia · Disease · Geriatric psychiatry · Psychiatry · Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues · Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research · Frailty in Older Adults · Medicine · Psychology · Gerontology

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