Brain Health PRO for Dementia

(BHPROOF Trial)

PS
Overseen ByPennny Slack, MSc
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of British Columbia
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how an online educational program, Brain Health PRO, can reduce dementia risk. The program emphasizes lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercise, and mental activities, that might help prevent dementia. Participants will either start the program immediately or after six months, ensuring everyone experiences it for six months. Ideal candidates have a family history of dementia, a high school education or less, conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and low physical activity levels. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance dementia prevention strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on an online educational program rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that the Brain Health PRO program is safe?

Research has shown that Brain Health PRO (BHPro) is an online program that helps people make healthy lifestyle changes to lower their risk of dementia. This program focuses on teaching and encouraging behavior changes, not on using medication or medical treatments.

No known risks are associated with using an online educational program like BHPro. Since it is not a drug or medical treatment, participants do not have to worry about side effects or reactions that can occur with some medical treatments. The program offers information and advice to help people make healthier choices for their brain health.

Overall, BHPro is considered safe because it is an educational tool. Participants can progress through the content at their own pace, and there have been no reports of harm from using the program. This makes it a low-risk option for anyone wanting to take steps to improve their brain health.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Brain Health PRO for dementia because it aims to enhance cognitive function by leveraging a comprehensive lifestyle approach rather than relying solely on medication. Unlike current treatments, which often focus on managing symptoms with pharmaceuticals like cholinesterase inhibitors, Brain Health PRO integrates cognitive exercises, dietary adjustments, and physical activity tailored to improve brain health. This holistic approach not only targets multiple aspects of brain function but also empowers participants to actively engage in their treatment plan, potentially leading to more sustainable improvements in cognitive health.

What evidence suggests that the Brain Health PRO program is effective for reducing dementia risk?

Research shows that Brain Health PRO (BHPro) is an online program designed to lower dementia risk by promoting healthy lifestyle changes. Studies have found that BHPro helps people learn about dementia and prevention strategies. Participants in earlier studies reported increased confidence in managing their brain health after completing the program. The program targets changeable factors like diet and exercise, which affect dementia risk. Overall, BHPro is based on evidence that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. In this trial, participants will either begin the BHPro program immediately or after a 6-month delay, allowing researchers to compare the effects of immediate versus delayed intervention.12367

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 50-80 at risk of dementia, who have a family history of the condition, high school education or less, and certain health issues like hypertension. They must be able to use a computer with internet and understand English or French.

Inclusion Criteria

I can speak and understand English or French well enough for online programs.
I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a BMI over 30, or I'm not physically active.
* Completion and documentation of the electronic Informed Consent Process (from the participant)
See 5 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in the Brain Health PRO online educational program for 6 months to address modifiable risk factors for dementia

6 months
Fully online

Open access extension

Participants have open access to all Brain Health PRO content for 12 months following the initial 6-month intervention

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in modifiable risk factors and other outcomes after the intervention

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Brain Health PRO

Trial Overview

The study tests Brain Health PRO, an online program aiming to reduce dementia risk through lifestyle education. Participants are randomly assigned to start immediately or after 6 months, with access to the content for up to 18 months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Immediate BHPro Intervention GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Delayed Start BHProExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,506
Recruited
2,528,000+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials
1,417
Recruited
26,550,000+

Alzheimer Society of Canada

Collaborator

Trials
10
Recruited
2,900+

Baycrest

Collaborator

Trials
46
Recruited
6,900+

The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)

Collaborator

Citations

An online educational program for healthy brain aging - PMC

Brain Health PRO (BHPro) is a 45-week online educational program designed to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce dementia risk.

Brain health PRO/Santé cerveau PRO: The development of ...

Brain Health PRO/Santé Cerveau PRO also includes questionnaires to measure the level of dementia risk for each of the seven topics (nutrition, physical ...

The Brain Health PRO Online Risk Factor Reduction Study ...

This study will recruit participants at risk for dementia to participate in an online educational program called Brain Health PRO (BHPro).

Protocol for the Brain Health Support Program Study of the ...

Exploratory outcomes. Exploratory outcomes include 1) change in attitudes toward dementia and dementia screening, as measured by Sections B ...

Brain Health PRO: Evaluating a Web‐Based Multidomain ...

The primary outcome was dementia literacy, assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included self‐efficacy, ...

Brain Health PRO: An Interactive, Online, Educational ...

The goal of the program is to improve dementia literacy, self-efficacy, and attitude toward dementia and ultimately have a positive impact on ...

7.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40090784/

Brain health PRO/Santé cerveau PRO: The development of ...

A review of dementia risk and protective factors and online educational programs for older adults, as well as co-creation activities with experts, stakeholders, ...