Designing an Internet-Based Multidomain Intervention for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: The HATICE Trial.

BACKGROUND

Many dementia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases in older adults are attributable to modifiable vascular and lifestyle-related risk factors, providing opportunities for prevention. In the Healthy Aging Through Internet Counselling in the Elderly (HATICE) randomized controlled trial, an internet-based multidomain intervention is being tested to improve the cardiovascular risk (CVR) profile of older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To design a multidomain intervention to improve CVR, based on the guidelines for CVR management, and administered through a coach-supported, interactive, platform to over 2500 community-dwellers aged 65+ in three European countries.

METHODS

A comparative analysis of national and European guidelines for primary and secondary CVD prevention was performed. Results were used to define the content of the intervention.

RESULTS

The intervention design focused on promoting awareness and self-management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and overweight, and supporting smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy diet. Overall, available guidelines lacked specific recommendations for CVR management in older adults. The comparative analysis of the guidelines showed general consistency for lifestyle-related recommendations. Key differences, identified mostly in methods used to assess the overall CVR, did not hamper the intervention design. Minor country-specific adaptations were implemented to maximize the intervention feasibility in each country.

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in CVR management within the countries considered, it was possible to design and implement the HATICE multidomain intervention. The study can help define preventative strategies for dementia and CVD that are applicable internationally.