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

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Active Aging Individuals Aged 65 and Over
• Aging
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Dementia
• Dementia Alzheimer Type
• Subjective Memory Complaints
• Probable Alzheimer's Disease

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istituto ricerca carattere Scientifico Fatebenefratelli Brescia

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino" Foundation

  collaborator OTHER

• Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

  collaborator OTHER

• IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy

  collaborator OTHER

• IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele

  collaborator OTHER

• Campus Biomedico - Roma

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy

  collaborator OTHER

• Università degli Studi 'G. d'Annunzio' Chieti e Pescara

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Foggia

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Padova

  collaborator OTHER

• Neuromed IRCCS

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Luana Dr Gilio · Neuromed IRCCS

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-30

Primary Completion

2027-11-27

Completion

2027-11-27

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations