Abstract
This study focused on the development and usability evaluation of EnCare diagnostics (ECD) and the Brain Fit Plan (BFP) in healthy older adults, cognitively impaired and physically impaired individuals. ECD is proposed as a novel solution to cognitive assessment based on color selection. BFP is a novel solution to personalized cognitive stimulation. The study consisted of 2 trials designed to evaluate the usability of the apps. Trial 1 involved eleven healthy older adults and four older adults with physical impairments who undertook ECD and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) once per month for four months with only those with physical impairments also completing the BFP daily. Trial 2 involved eight older adults diagnosed with early stage dementia who completed MMSE and ECD once per month for six months. In trial 1, 10/11 participants enjoyed the trial and managed the usability of the app easily. A 75% drop out was observed in response to the BFP with issues of dexterity and lack of understanding on how to use the technology being the main reasons for lack of compliance. 4/8 participants completed trial 2 with most of the participants having no usability issues. This usability study demonstrated that ECD is highly acceptable in both healthy older adults and those with early stage dementia when given the shorter versions to accommodate their diagnosis. The BFP was not suited to this population of participants.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Health Technology Letters |
Volume | Online |
Early online date | 5 May 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Cognitive Decline
- Dementia
- Connected Health
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Jonathan Synnott
- Faculty Of Computing, Eng. & Built Env. - Lecturer in Data Analytics, Lecturer
Person: Academic