The Neuro Moto Cognitivo Protocol, a new cutting-edge protocol to improve the well-being of the elderly, counteract cognitive and motor decline, and promote conscious ageing
PORDENONE - The innovative Neuro Moto Cognitive Protocol to promote active ageing of elderly people with frailty or cognitive impairment has been successfully developed and tested. The European project CrossCare 2.0, led by the Social Cooperative Itaca and part of the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme, tested the Protocol involving elderly people over 65 in the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions, obtaining promising results in improving physical and mental health. The contributions of the Protected Residence of the Municipality of Sacile, Residenza Francescon of Portogruaro, and Asp Don Moschetta of Caorle, the sites of the experimentation, were fundamental.
On May 8th at the Pordenone Fair, within the first edition of ‘104 The Caregiving Expo’, the Italian project partners presented a preview of the results of the experimentation during the scientific workshop ‘From fragility to resilience. The new perspectives of CrossCare 2.0 for elderly people and caregivers’. The event was an opportunity to explore integrated care models and the role of caregivers.
The following themes were developed: ‘CrossCare 2. 0 - Integrated and shared strategies for the capitalisation of the CrossCare Model’, Azzurra Lanfranconi, project manager, Social Cooperative Itaca; “The Neuro-Motor Cognitive Protocol: guidelines and experimentation”, Maura Murgia, care manager, Social Cooperative Itaca; ’From T0 to T3: the pathway in the project territories’, Nando Iuliano, care manager, Don Moschetta; “Replicability: educational and socialising aspects”, Chiara Perazzolo, care manager, Residenza Francescon; “The results of the experimentation: direct and indirect benefits”, Cesare Magagnin, Ceo Mylife360.
CrossCare 2.0 is the project co-funded by the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme 2021-2027 that promotes innovative strategies for taking care of the frail elderly and supporting caregivers, through holistic approaches and innovative tools.
TRIAL RESULTS: A NEW HORIZON FOR ACTIVE AGEING
The trial of the Neuro-Motor Cognitive Protocol (NMC) showed significant improvements in the participants' motor and cognitive abilities. The integrated approach, combining physical exercise, cognitive stimulation and attention to the social aspect, demonstrated its effectiveness in producing a positive impact on the perceived well-being of the elderly. The collected data underline the importance of considering health in a broader perspective, which includes not only the absence of illness, but also a high quality of life.
ELEMENTS OF EXPERIMENTAL INNOVATION: A PIONEERING APPROACH
The NMC Protocol is distinguished by its cutting-edge approach, which integrates different methodologies: biofeedback, neurotraining, cognitive gymnastics and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The main objective is to intervene on the prefrontal cortex, a crucial brain area for higher cognitive functions, to improve the psychophysical health of the elderly and counteract the ageing process.
TECHNOLOGICAL MONITORING: AN ADDED VALUE FOR PRECISION AND PERSONALISATION
A highlight is the use of an advanced technological device to continuously monitor participants' vital parameters during the activities. This technology allowed professionals to follow the progress of the elderly in real time, collecting valuable data to assess the effectiveness of the Protocol and customise interventions.
PROTOCOL STRUCTURE AND CUSTOMISED APPROACH: AN INTERVENTION TAILORED TO EACH NEED
The protocol is based on an initial assessment of each participant's individual characteristics, both physical and neurocognitive. Based on this analysis, a customised exercise programme is defined, combining activities to improve motor coordination and stimulate different cognitive functions. A multidisciplinary team of experts follows the participants, adapting the activities according to individual progress and needs.
ELDERLY PROTAGONISTS OF CHANGE TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND WELL-BEING
The trial involved 24 elderly people over 65 living in the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions. The participants contributed with their experience and involvement to the validation of the Protocol. As ‘pioneers’ of the experimentation, they were engaged and motivated to participate thanks to the idea that it could become useful for further and more numerous groups of elderly people, and could serve the study of a specific focus on the elderly characterised by a profile of greater fragility, both physical and cognitive. From this perspective, in addition to the collection of scientific data, the Protocol integrates a strong educational element, with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of physical and cognitive activity in ageing.
INTEGRATED APPROACH: THE SYNERGY OF BODY, MIND AND RELATIONSHIPS
The NMC Protocol takes an integrated approach that considers the physical, cognitive and relational aspects of ageing. This holistic approach, in line with the latest scientific evidence, has proven to be fundamental in ensuring an overall improvement in the quality of life of the elderly.
PROTOCOL STRUCTURE AND CUSTOMISED APPROACH: AN INTERVENTION TAILORED TO EACH NEED
The protocol is based on an initial assessment of each participant's individual characteristics, both physical and neurocognitive. Based on this analysis, a customised exercise programme is defined, combining activities to improve motor coordination and stimulate different cognitive functions. A multidisciplinary team of experts follows the participants, adapting the activities according to individual progress and needs.
ELDERLY PROTAGONISTS OF CHANGE TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND WELL-BEING
The trial involved 24 elderly people over 65 living in the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions. The participants contributed with their experience and involvement to the validation of the Protocol. As ‘pioneers’ of the experimentation, they were engaged and motivated to participate thanks to the idea that it could become useful for further and more numerous groups of elderly people, and could serve the study of a specific focus on the elderly characterised by a profile of greater fragility, both physical and cognitive. From this perspective, in addition to the collection of scientific data, the Protocol integrates a strong educational element, with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of physical and cognitive activity in ageing.
INTEGRATED APPROACH: THE SYNERGY OF BODY, MIND AND RELATIONSHIPS
The NMC Protocol takes an integrated approach that considers the physical, cognitive and relational aspects of ageing. This holistic approach, in line with the latest scientific evidence, has proven to be fundamental in ensuring an overall improvement in the quality of life of the elderly.
