Self-Management App for People with Dementia

Full study title: Assessing the Usability of DataDay: A Self-Management Tool for People with Dementia

What is the study about?

This study looks at how DataDay, a digital application used on smartphones and tablets, may help improve the quality of life of patients with mild to moderate dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their caregivers. Following a diagnosis of dementia, many people manage their condition at home without ongoing access to health services. With cognitive decline, those with dementia often need more consistent help with everyday tasks from caregivers. This poses a burden on caregiver quality of life, as well as a loss of empowerment for patients living with dementia. Keeping track of cognition, mood, nutrition, and physical activity through scheduling and reminders can help people with dementia and their caregivers maintain quality of life and monitor changes. DataDay, a digital app, monitors these four factors, providing reminders and comprehensive graphs to monitor changes in these areas. Individuals with mild to moderate dementia or MCI will participate in a 6-week study, using the DataDay app to assess its use and overall impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.

Eligibility – Who can participate?

-Be 18 years of age

–Must be diagnosed with dementia (any type) or MCI

-Patients can have moderate dementia insofar that they can understand and provide informed consent

-must have the capacity to consent independently

-Caregivers: Must be caring for a person living with mild to moderate dementia or MCI

Please note: Access to a smartphone or tablet is not a requirement for participation. Participants may use their own device if they wish or can be supplied a tablet for the duration of the study. Access to Wi-Fi is not required.

Time requirement

The study duration is 6 weeks and will consist of the following:

● Initial Training Session (~1 hour) – demographic questionnaire (~5 minutes to complete); Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) questionnaire (~ 10-15 minutes to complete) and proxy version (~ 5 minutes to complete); Zarit Burden Short Form (Caregivers only, ~ 10 minutes to complete); ~ 30-minute training session with the Data Day App

● Using DataDay – The app will be used for the 6-week period by the participants

● Follow-Up at 3 Weeks (~ 15-20 minutes) – phone call check-in

● Final Session (~ 1 hour) – At the end of the study, the research team will conduct an audio-recorded interview with open-ended questions to gather insights into the usability and effectiveness of the DataDay app; post-intervention completion of the QoL questionnaires

Compensation/reimbursement: $25 gift card of your choice

TDRA study investigator

Hafsah Umar

TDRA Site:

Toronto Rehab Institute-University Health Network,

Address: 550 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 2A2

Age Group:

18+

Target Population:

Caregivers, Mild cognitive impairment, Mild Dementia, Moderate Dementia