Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) research programme

To delay the onset of dependency in people after a diagnosis of dementia.

6 years 10 months (March 2016 - January 2023) 

Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (PrAISED) is a research study that will test the effectiveness of an activity and exercise programme for people with memory problems.

People with memory problems can struggle with everyday activities. They may stop doing things they want to do. They also have a higher risk of falling compared with other people their age.

Occupational therapists can advise on how to do daily activities safely and efficiently. Physiotherapists can prescribe exercises to improve balance, increase activity, and promote confidence and energy. Certain activities and exercises may also help maintain memory.

The best results come from doing exercises several times a week. However, there is little research on how to help people with memory problems do these therapies. Regular and ongoing support may help people with memory problems to do take part in these therapies.

The programme we are testing aims to increase activity, independence and balance. This programme is not currently available in the UK, but there is evidence from other countries that it may help.

In this study, we want to test two therapy packages with different levels of support.

Therapy package 1 is a standard falls prevention assessment and advice that is normally available from the NHS. This would involve usually just one visit from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Follow-up visits may occur, if thought necessary.

Therapy package 2 involves support from occupational therapists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation support workers over one year. The number of visits received will depend on peoples’ needs and preferences.

In addition, we will explore what we can do to help people to continue exercising when the therapist visits finished.