ProPEDeAMCI is designed to deliver tangible, measurable, and sustainable results in the field of dementia prevention and care through physical exercise.
In the short term, the project will train at least 270 health and sport professionals across Europe, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to design and implement tailored physical exercise programmes for individuals with MCI and dementia. In parallel, pilot interventions will be carried out involving at least 120 participants, allowing for the testing and validation of innovative approaches in real-life settings.
Among the main expected results:
- the creation of an interactive digital platform and an online database to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and access to resources: the project focuses on the design and development of two web-based platforms that will serve as central hubs for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration. These platforms will host a comprehensive online database of tools, resources, and best practices for implementing PE programs specifically for dementia care. To ensure long-term operational continuity, technical support from established developers is guaranteed for five years following the project’s completion.
- the development of evidence-based European guidelines on physical exercise for people with cognitive impairments: to standardize therapeutic interventions across Europe, ProPEDEAMCI is developing evidence-based guidelines. This handbook will provide structured recommendations tailored to different stages of cognitive decline, including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These guidelines build upon international standards, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
- the design and delivery of specialized training programmes for professionals in healthcare, sport, and social care sectors: the project bridges the gap between theory and practice by developing specialized training models for healthcare and sports professionals. A total of 270 health professionals will be trained through nine educational courses held across eight participating countries. These skills will be applied in real-world settings through pilot interventions involving 120 individuals with MCI and dementia. The outcomes of these pilots will be documented in detailed evaluation reports to measure their impact on participants’ cognitive function and overall quality of life.
In the medium to long term, ProPEDeAMCI aims to:
- improve cognitive and physical functioning, as well as overall quality of life, for individuals with dementia
- increase awareness of the role of physical exercise in preventing and managing cognitive decline
- support the integration of physical activity into standard dementia care practices
- influence policies and promote innovation in health and social care systems at the European level
The project also places strong emphasis on dissemination and sustainability. Through a comprehensive communication strategy, including a dedicated website, social media, scientific publications, training events, and international conferences, ProPEDeAMCI ensures that its results reach a wide audience of stakeholders, including professionals, policymakers, organizations, and the general public.
All project outputs, including digital tools and educational materials, will remain accessible for at least five years after the end of the project, ensuring long-term impact and continued knowledge transfer.