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Jun 29

2 R.I. hospitals to take part in big Alzheimers study – The Providence Journal

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Butler and The Miriam seek 400 volunteers.

PROVIDENCE Butler Hospital in collaboration with The Miriam Hospital is beginning a new Alzheimers disease study aimed at learning whether lifestyle changes could protect the mental health of older individuals who are at risk of experiencing cognitive decline, the hospitals announced on Monday.

Rhode Island is just one of five sites nationally to participate in the so-called POINTER study, based on research in Finland that demonstrated that a healthy diet, regular exercise, social stimulation and other factors can help prevent cognitive decline. The Chicago-based Alzheimers Association has been the driving force behind the national study, which it is funding with $35 million in grants.

"We are so excited that Rhode Island and the southern New England region has been selected as the fifth site for the landmark U.S. POINTER Trial," Butler Hospitals Dr. Stephen Salloway said in announcing the study. "Rhode Island has the right size and community spirit to successfully carry out this study, and our team at Butler is looking forward to working closely with our partners at The Miriam Hospital and the Alzheimers Association."

"The Miriam Hospital is known for its research showing that lifestyle approaches are important for preventing heart disease and diabetes," said Rena Wing, director of Miriams Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center, "but the U.S. POINTER study is the first large-scale U.S. trial to investigate how a lifestyle intervention could potentially help reduce risk of cognitive decline."

Wing and Salloway, director of Butlers Memory and Aging Program, are co-principal investigators in Rhode Island for POINTER, an acronym derived from "PrOtect through a lifestyle INTErvention to Reduce risk."

The POINTER partnership between Miriam, a Lifespan hospital, and Butler, a Care New England Hospital, is the latest evidence of newfound cooperation between the state largest and second-largest health-care systems. Early this month, Lifespan president and CEO Dr. Timothy J. Babineau and Care New England president and CEO Dr. James Fanale announced discussions that could lead to a combined system that would include Brown University.

For the study, researchers are seeking 400 volunteers from Rhode Island and nearby areas, 60 to 79 years old, who do not have problems with memory or thinking but who do not regularly exercise. Volunteers will be randomly placed in one of two groups: "a self-guided lifestyle program," according to Butler and Miriam, or "a more structured lifestyle program."

Both programs will "encourage increased physical exercise, a healthier diet, cognitive and social stimulation and regular monitoring of heart and vascular health," according to a joint media release.

Given the coronavirus pandemic, the study will follow safe protocols. Screening of prospective participants will be conducted by mail and telephone. Eligible people then "will be invited to Butler Hospital to complete other procedures with special care, adhering to all safety guidelines" established by Care New England and the state Health Department.

Donna McGowan, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, said "more than 24,000 people are living with Alzheimer's in Rhode Island alone, so finding an effective treatment and prevention is critically urgent. We look forward to working with the principal investigators on this landmark study that we hope will ultimately benefit millions of Americans."

Salloway told The Journal: "The U.S. POINTER trial brings a strong message of hope and health to our region as we recover from COVID-19."

Other participants in the study include Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina, the U.S. Coordinating Center; the University of Californias Davis School of Medicine; Rush University Medical College & Advocate Healthcare in Chicago; and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

For more information, visit butler.org/pointer or contact pointer@butler.org or 401-POINTER (401-764-6837).

gwmiller@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7380

On Twitter: @gwaynemiller

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2 R.I. hospitals to take part in big Alzheimers study - The Providence Journal

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