Effects of a 12-Week BHS Program on Brain Health Beliefs Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Adults at Risk for Dementia

AIM: To identify the effects of a 12-week brain health services (BHS) program on improving the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of dementia prevention among middle-aged and older Chinese community residents. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in five communities in Chongqing, China, between October 2021 and October 2022. MEASUREMENTS: The outcomes in this study were the participants' scores of the Healthy Lifestyle Score, MCLHB-DRR, and DKAS. INTERVENTION: The control group received community routine services and the "resident brain health guidance manual" the same as the intervention group. And an extra 12-week BHS program was adapted in the intervention group. RESULTS: There were significant interaction effects between time × group factors in primary outcome (Healthy Lifestyle Score) of the two groups (F = 6.140, p = 0.003, η²= 0.07) and the same in secondary outcomes (MCLHB-DRR and DKAS) (F = 6.604, p = 0.002, η²= 0.142) (F = 6.236, p = 0.003, η²= 0.135). CONCLUSION: The BHS program promoted participants to form positive dementia prevention beliefs and effectively changed the lifestyle of the participants, especially in terms of healthy diet and regular physical activity. The BHS program can be applied to primary health services in Chinese communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200059665.