RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07289061

Positive Psychology for Early Cognitive Decline: Effects on Cognitive and Brain Function

Application of Positive Psychology Interventions in Individuals With Early-stage Cognitive Decline Related to Dementia: Their Impact on Cognitive and Brain Functioning

Sponsor

Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki

Enrollment

128 participants

Start Date

Dec 17, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Alzheimer Dementia (AD)Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)

Summary

This randomized study tests whether a new multicomponent Positive Psychology program can improve cognition and wellbeing in older adults at the earliest stages of dementia-related decline. About 128 participants with Subjective Cognitive Decline or Mild Cognitive Impairment will be enrolled. Half will be randomized to the Positive Psychology program and half to Treatment As Usual (TAU). The program consists of weekly, small-group online sessions for \~24 weeks plus brief home practices. All participants (both arms) will complete questionnaires and cognitive tests at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and 9-month follow-up. Primary question: Do participants receiving the Positive Psychology program show better cognitive and brain-function outcomes than TAU at post-treatment and at 9 months? Secondary question: Are effects larger for SCD than MCI? No medicines are used and risks are minimal. If effective, this scalable, low-cost, non-pharmacological approach could complement usual care for people in very early cognitive decline.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria1

Documented diagnosis of Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to clinical evaluation and site standard criteria.

Exclusion Criteria5

Diagnosis of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder) or other major neurocognitive disorder that is moderate or severe.
Major psychiatric disorder currently unstable or untreated (e.g., major depression with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
Neurological conditions that affect cognition.
Uncorrected hearing or vision problems that prevent participation in assessments or online sessions.
Concurrent participation in another interventional study targeting cognition or wellbeing during the study period.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPositive Psychology Intervention

Online, group-based Positive Psychology intervention delivered by trained psychologist. One 60-minute session per week for \~16 weeks plus brief daily home practice (\~10 minutes). Core components: identification and use of character strengths and mindfulness practices. Includes goal setting and habit formation. Materials provided in Greek. The sessions will take place via secure videoconference. No medications are administered. Participants will continue to receive TAU but they will have one extra hour per week for Positive Psychology Intervention.

BEHAVIORALTreatment as usual (TAU)

Structured cognitive training program targeting attention, memory, and executive functions. Participants will continue to receive cognitive training at Alzheimer Hellas. Activities include paper-and-pencil and computerized tasks (e.g., working-memory, processing speed, problem solving). No Positive Psychology components are included.