Cognitive Dysfunction clinical trials at UCSF

Approximately 40,000 older Veterans with complex care needs receive long-term care in VA Community Living Centers (CLCs). Many CLC staff have limited specialized training to engage Veterans with dementia. Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is a gentle, multi-domain, group movement program for people with cognitive impairment that has shown physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits. This effectiveness-implementation study will train interprofessional CLC staff via a remote program and evaluate PLIÉ-CLC delivered as part of routine clinical care at up to 12 VA CLCs. We will assess resident physical function (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (e.g., social engagement, mood, cognition, behaviors, falls, pain, and quality of life), as well as person-centered care practices, staff engagement, burnout, and workplace climate, and the sustainment of the program after external facilitation ends.