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Effect of a Multicomponent Program on the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia
C. Gameiro, P. Varandas, B. Lopes, B. Freitas, C. Pombo. European Psychiatry, 2026-06-01
Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies
Introduction Multidomain programs have demonstrated efficacy in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. Additionally, technological solutions show potential for cognitive interventions and the promotion of healthy aging. This study investigated the implementation of an innovative multidomain program in a Portuguese community setting, inspired by international multidomain models and supported by technological interventions. Objectives To evaluate the effect of a multidomain program on adherence, satisfaction, and outcomes in cognitive, affective, social, and quality of life domains. Methods The program consisted of 26 sessions, held twice per week, combining robot-assisted therapy, augmented reality, computerized cognitive training, and psychoeducational sessions. Sociodemographic data and adherence records were collected, and a multidimensional assessment battery was administered before and after the intervention, along with a satisfaction questionnaire. Results The study included 504 older adults (mean age = 76 ± 9.47 years), mostly women (80.36%). Significant improvements were observed in all assessed domains (p < 0.001): cognitive (+2.6 points ACE-R), affective (–1.1 points GDS-15), social (+3.9 points ESSS), and quality of life (+1.2 points WHOQOL-BREF). Adherence was 89%, and satisfaction was 98%. Conclusions The program was effective, as evidenced by the multidimensional health gains achieved. The integration of innovative technological interventions, combined with a multidomain approach, appears promising for the prevention of cognitive decline. Future studies with control groups could strengthen the robustness and sustainability of these results. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Key findings
- Introduction Multidomain programs have demonstrated efficacy in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
- Results The study included 504 older adults (mean age = 76 ± 9.47 years), mostly women (80.36%).
- Significant improvements were observed in all assessed domains (p < 0.001): cognitive (+2.6 points ACE-R), affective (–1.1 points GDS-15), social (+3.9 points ESSS), and quality of life (+1.2 points WHOQOL-BREF).
- Future studies with control groups could strengthen the robustness and sustainability of these results.
Why it matters
This multidomain program in 504 older adults found improvements in cognitive, affective, social, and quality of life scores, with high adherence and satisfaction. It lacked a control group, so it cannot prove that the program prevents cognitive decline or dementia.
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Study details
- Participants504
- Effect size80.36%
- Evidence strengthLow
How this study scored 35/100
Published in a peer-reviewed journal. Scored zero for study design and randomised / blinded because the record does not state it. We have no data on senior author's track record, so that was left out: it earned 34 of the 96 points we could judge it on, which is 35 out of 100.
| Component | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journal tier | 7 / 10 | Tier 3 — peer-reviewed journal (European Psychiatry) |
| Journal's citation record | 1 / 4 | European Psychiatry: journal h-index 143 (OpenAlex, 2026-10-29) |
| Study design | 0 / 12 | No study design recorded — scores zero, not guessed (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Strength of evidence | 1 / 5 | Rated “low” in our summary |
| Peer-review validation | 10 / 10 | Peer-reviewed. Published as an article in a named peer-reviewed journal. |
| How recent | 5 / 5 | 2026 — within 1 year(s) of the newest study here |
| Sample size | 2 / 4 | 504 participants |
| Effect reported | 2 / 3 | Effect reported as a number, without an interval or test |
| Studied in people | 3 / 3 | Studied in people (participant count stated) |
| Randomised / blinded | 0 / 2 | No randomisation or blinding stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Times cited | 0 / 7 | Cited 0 times (OpenAlex, 2026-10-10) |
| Citations per year | 0 / 5 | 0.0 citations a year over 2 year(s) since 2026 |
| Impact for its field and year | 0 / 6 | Cited 0.0× the average for papers of its field and year (OpenAlex FWCI) |
| Cited by studies here | 0 / 6 | No other study in this library cites it |
| Still being cited | 0 / 4 | Cited 0 times in 2024–2026 (2026 still in progress; OpenAlex) |
| Senior author's track record | — / 4 | OpenAlex's profile for last-listed author C. Pombo holds only 2 work(s), too few to judge a track record — left out of this score |
| Institution's track record | 0 / 3 | Irmãs Hospitaleiras (Portugal): institution h-index 14 (OpenAlex) |
| Multi-centre collaboration | 0 / 3 | OpenAlex lists 1 institution(s) in 1 country — scores zero (affiliation lists can be incomplete) |
| Indexed in PubMed | 1 / 2 | Not in PubMed, but has a DOI |
| Free to read | 2 / 2 | Free to read |
| Points | 34 / 96 | Scored on 19 of 20 parts. We have no data for the rest, so they are left out: 34 of the 96 points we could judge it on is 35 out of 100. |
| Total | 35 / 100 | — |
What each of these 20 components measures, and what this score is not →
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Cite this study APA, Vancouver, BibTeX · download .bib or .ris
Built from the record alzhub holds for this paper, not looked up. Volume, issue and page numbers are not held in the record. Check the citation against the original before you use it.
APA 7th
Gameiro, C., Varandas, P., Lopes, B., Freitas, B., & Pombo, C. (2026). Effect of a Multicomponent Program on the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia. European Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11579
Vancouver
Gameiro C, Varandas P, Lopes B, Freitas B, Pombo C. Effect of a Multicomponent Program on the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia. European Psychiatry. 2026. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11579.
BibTeX
@article{gameiro2026-9ac3fb02,
author = {Gameiro, C. and Varandas, P. and Lopes, B. and Freitas, B. and Pombo, C.},
title = {{Effect of a Multicomponent Program on the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia}},
journal = {European Psychiatry},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11579},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11579}
}