The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ljubljana (MFU) and Institute Everykind (VSTE) are carrying out Pilot 7 of the COMFORTage project, which was initiated in early 2025 and focuses on social learning interventions combined with lifestyle adaptations to address cognitive decline. The study targets two groups: adults aged 40–75 with a family history of dementia but no cognitive symptoms, and adults aged 65 and over with self-reported cognitive decline or a mild dementia diagnosis, residing in the homes for the elderly or care facilities. Involving up to 200 participants, the study investigates the relationship between oral health and cognitive decline. Key objectives include examining oral health patterns, identifying microbiota differences, establishing neurophysiological markers, and assessing the impact and feasibility of personalised oral health interventions. The two-year study will incorporate educational tools and serious games, with all phases—from recruitment to evaluation—conducted between 2025 and 2027.
Title: Social learning interventions with lifestyle adaptation for people with cognitive decline (M&M – Mind and Mouth)
Partner: MFU and VSTE
Type: Interventional
Target: Adults at-risk & with cognitive impairment
Focus: Oral health, well-being, cognitive decline
Type of prevention targeted: Primary by investigating and determining risk factors for cognitive decline, as well as improving the oral health of cognitively unimpaired participants. Secondary, by investigating how to detect dementia and cognitive impairment risk early and address it. Tertiary, by implementing activities to ameliorate the symptoms experienced by participants.
Objective: 1) Examine oral health patterns across cognitive impairment levels: 2) Identify distinctive oral microbiota patterns; 3) Establish neurophysiological markers; 4) Evaluate impact of oral health interventions on cognitive decline progression; 5) Assess the effectiveness of the personalized oral health intervention program; 6) Determine the feasibility and acceptability of the entire intervention protocol
Category: Category #C – Study of Improved and Personalized Interventions That May Delay and Alleviate Dementia
