The INSPIRE Study by Healthy Minds Initiative
Alzheimer's prevention and lifestyle interventions in underserved populations, through crowdfunded research
The Problem
Alzheimer’s and others dementias form the fastest-growing epidemic in the world.
90% of cases are preventable, but healthcare resources are often limited or ineffective.
Many communities are underserved by medical research and healthcare policy.
Our Solution
Studies show lifestyle intervention can help counter neurodegenerative diseases.
Our supporters enable us to carry out more of these studies on a global scale.
By focusing on underserved populations, our studies improve healthcare equity.
INSPIRE: Intervention Strategies for Preserving Intellectual Resilience and Engagement
Our Objective
The INSPIRE Project will investigate intervention strategies aimed at preserving intellectual resilience and engagement among underserved populations, with a specific focus on Alzheimer’s prevention and lifestyle interventions.
Study Design
We’ll employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to rigorously evaluate the impact of lifestyle interventions on cognitive outcomes. The study will include intervention and control groups to compare the effects of the interventions against a baseline or standard care condition.
How the INSPIRE Study will work
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INSPIRE Study methodology
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Participant Recruitment
Participants will be recruited from Crenshaw Christian Center, who is partnering with Healthy Minds Initiative. Recruitment efforts will include community outreach and targeted advertising.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants will be adults aged 55 and older, without a diagnosis of dementia but at risk for cognitive decline. They must also be willing to participate in lifestyle intervention programs.
Randomization and Blinding
Participants who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Randomization will be stratified to ensure balance across key demographics (e.g., age, gender, education level).
Interventions
The intervention group will receive structured lifestyle interventions tailored to Alzheimer’s prevention and cognitive health, including dietary guidance, exercise programs, cognitive training, and social engagement activities. The control group will receive standard care or placebo interventions as appropriate.
Data Collection
Data collection will include baseline assessments (including cognitive tests, medical history, and lifestyle questionnaires) and follow-up assessments at regular intervals (e.g., 6 months, 12 months). Cognitive function will be assessed using validated tools such as Cantab, ensuring standardized and objective measurements.
Statistical Considerations
Statistical analyses will be conducted to compare outcomes between the intervention and control groups. Key statistical considerations include: sample size determination to ensure adequate power to detect meaningful differences, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and mixed-effects models.
Ethical Standards and Federal Regulations
The study will adhere to ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Specific measures to ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., HIPAA) and protection of human subjects include:
informed consent processes, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, and data security and confidentiality.
Organization of the Study
The study will be led by Healthy Minds Initiative in collaboration with academic researchers, healthcare providers, and community partner, Crenshaw Christian Center. A multidisciplinary team of investigators will oversee study operations. Regular meetings and ongoing communication will facilitate coordination and adherence to study protocols.
In Conclusion:
By adhering to these rigorous protocols and ethical standards, The INSPIRE Project aims to provide valuable insights into effective strategies for preserving intellectual resilience and engagement among underserved populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, which can be standardized and repeated on an international scale.