A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity: Program Satisfaction and Potential Impacts on Perceived Cognitive Change in a Neurologically Mixed Sample of Older Adults.

Piette JD, Hampstead BM, Marinec N, Chen J, Roberts JS. A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity: Program Satisfaction and Potential Impacts on Perceived Cognitive Change in a Neurologically Mixed Sample of Older Adults. Alzheimer disease and associated disorders. 2023 Jul 1; 37(3):237-242.

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Purposeful social interactions are important for healthy aging. We conducted a pilot trial of SPEAK! (Seniors Promoting English Acquisition and Knowledge), an intervention providing older volunteers with a safe, accessible opportunity to converse via webcam with English-language learners. METHODS: A neurologically mixed sample of older adults was randomized to 8 weekly, webcam conversations with English-language learners or a waitlist control. Outcomes included the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) and surveys of program satisfaction. Here, we report on session completion, intervention satisfaction, and follow-up CCI scores. Exploratory analyses of CCI intervention effects controlled for baseline CCI scores and the interaction between group and baseline CCI. RESULTS: Participants (N = 38) were on average 70.8 years of age, 28/38 were White, and 16/38 demonstrated possible cognitive impairment on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pairs completed 115/136 sessions (85%) and all volunteers said they would recommend the program. Controlling for the interaction between baseline CCI and randomization group, SPEAK! volunteers had better follow-up CCI scores than controls (P = 0.018). Improvements in CCI were greater among participants with fewer baseline memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: SPEAK! was feasible and appreciated by older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Larger studies should confirm benefits for memory and other determinants of quality of life.