Clinical Research Directory

A Graphene Far-infrared Intervention Study of Cognitive Status in Older Adults

This study was a 4-week facility-level cluster-controlled trial examining whether a graphene-based far-infrared intervention could improve cognitive status among older adults living in long-term care facilities. Five facilities were assigned to one of three study conditions: a graphene-based far-infrared intervention (GFII), a thermal-effects control (TEC) delivered using an electrically heated cap at the same nominal temperature, or a blank control condition without intervention. Participants in the GFII and TEC groups received one 40-minute session daily for 4 weeks. Cognitive outcomes were assessed at baseline, after approximately 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, and at a 4-week post-intervention follow-up. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were also assessed as exploratory outcomes, although they were not the primary focus of the study. The study aimed to examine whether GFII could improve cognitive status beyond the effects of thermal stimulation alone or no intervention.

EMBRACE - From Vulnerable to Empowered: Implementation and Evaluation of a Multicomponent Program to Tackling Age-related Decline

EMBRACE is a randomized, controlled, multi-domain, blinded clinical trial involving 120 community-dwelling older adults at risk of cognitive decline, lasting 12 months. Participants are randomized 1:1 to either a multicomponent intervention group, including cognitive and language training, physical activity, nutritional counseling with oral health support, and financial and digital literacy education, or to a control group receiving regular health counseling. The trial evaluates the effects of the intervention on cognitive performance, quality of life, functionality, financial literacy, digital inclusion, and other health-related outcomes.

Multidomain Interventions for Elderly Individuals in Residential Structures

The "Multidomain Interventions to improve the COgnitive and fUNctional well-being of elderly individuals in residential sTructures" (I-COUNT) study aims to test the feasibility and the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention among elderly individuals living in long term care facilities (LTCFs). The intervention will include selected physical and cognitive training activities administered and monitored by new technologies, a dietary intervention including also functional foods, and the administration of vaccines according to the National plan. The multidomain intervention will last 6 months and will be compared with the standard care adopted in the same LTCFs.