Community-Based Trials of Mobile Solutions for the Detection and Management of Cognitive Decline

Adele Boyd, Jonathan Synnott, Chris Nugent, David Elliott, John Kelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)
56 Downloads (Pure)

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 languageEnglish
JournalHealth Technology Letters
VolumeOnline
Early online date5 May 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 Jun 2017

Keywords

  • Cognitive Decline
  • Dementia
  • Connected Health

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