Baseline characteristics of the SINgapore GERiatric Intervention Study to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Physical Frailty (SINGER) multidomain dementia prevention randomized controlled trial and insights from the recruitment process

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The SINgapore GERiatric Intervention Study to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Physical Frailty (SINGER) is the first large Southeast Asian randomized controlled trial of multidomain lifestyle interventions in older adults at increased dementia risk. METHODS: Baseline assessments included sociodemographic, cognitive, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors. Recruitment strategies and adaptations to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions and operational challenges were documented. RESULTS: A total of 3841 individuals were pre-screened, with 1218 randomized 1:1 to a Structured Lifestyle Intervention or a Self-Guided Intervention (606 each; three exclusions per arm). Participants had a mean age of 68.7 years and a mean of 12.5 years of education; 96.4% were Chinese. High rates of inactivity, limited cognitive engagement, and suboptimal diet were observed. DISCUSSION: Despite pandemic disruptions, SINGER achieved its recruitment target through adaptive strategies, enrolling a cohort with significant scope for dementia risk reduction and positioned to test the effectiveness of multidomain lifestyle interventions. CLINICALTRIALS: Gov ID: NCT05007353.