Italian Validation of the dNA Scale and Its Correlation With Neurocognitive Variables

The goal of this experimental multicentric intervention study is to validate, in Italian, the dynamic Neurocognitive Adaptation (dNA) Scale, which has already been validated in English, among a healthy elderly population (aged 65 and older) residing in Italy and patients with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. dNA is a questionnaire designed to assess both current and past levels of engagement in physical, cognitive, creative, and social activities. The study aims to recruit a total of 265 participants with mild cognitive impairment, subjective memory complaints, or dementia. These participants will be distributed among the 8 recruitment centers. Neuropsychological data, subjective measures, and MRI data will be collected and analyzed to address the following research questions: 1) Is there a positive correlation between scores on the dNA Scale and cognitive efficiency, as reflected in neuropsychological measures, such as episodic memory and executive functions? 2) Is there a correlation between dNA scores and improved functional connectivity within neural networks, such as the Default Network (DN)? Participants recruited at the participating clinical centers will undergo: * A clinical interview, during which demographic and medical history information will be collected. The dNA Scale will be administered, along with a questionnaire assessing adherence to dietary habits typical of a Mediterranean diet (14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener; MEDAS). * A neuropsychological assessment, aimed at evaluating general cognitive function with a particular focus on episodic memory and executive functions. The following tests will be administered: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or, alternatively, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT); Trial Making Test (TMT) Form B; Digit Span Forward and Backward (WAIS or WAIS-III); and the Stroop Test. * Self-report questionnaires designed to assess depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and anxiety symptoms using the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) (or alternatively the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI). Finally, the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire will be administered to estimate Cognitive Reserve (CRIq). * Where available, MRI data previously acquired for clinical or diagnostic purposes will be included in the study and analyzed by the principal investigator.

NCT Number	NCT07533084
Lead Sponsor	Neuromed IRCCS Collaborators: Istituto ricerca carattere Scientifico Fatebenefratelli Brescia, IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino" Foundation, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Campus Bio-Medico University, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy, Università degli Studi 'G. d'Annunzio' Chieti e Pescara, University of Foggia, University of Padova
Conditions	Active Aging Individuals Aged 65 and Over, Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia, Dementia Alzheimer Type, Subjective Memory Complaints, Probable Alzheimer's Disease
Enrollment	265 participants
Start Date	2026-09
Primary Completion	2027-11-27 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-11-27 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-11