The COMFORTage study at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona is investigating whether a personalized cognitive and functional stimulation program can help slow cognitive decline in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia.
The study involves 100 participants aged 60 to 85, who are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The active group receives weekly in-person sessions for one year, featuring individualized cognitive and physical training through digital platforms developed by the COMFORTage project. The control group does not participate in the training but undergoes the same schedule of health assessments and monitoring.
All participants are followed for a total of two years. Throughout the study, researchers collect comprehensive clinical, neuropsychological, and biological data. This includes cognitive assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, and genetic testing. In addition, participants complete spontaneous speech recordings from home every 3-4 months using a dedicated mobile application.
The primary objective is to determine whether the stimulation program more effectively preserves memory and cognitive function compared to no intervention. The study also evaluates its impact on physical and emotional well-being, daily functioning, and quality of life. Insights from the trial will contribute to the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered digital health platform aimed at delivering personalized care for individuals living with dementia.