Personalized visual mapping assistive technology to improve functional ability in persons with dementia: Feasibility cohort study

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jessica Kelleher, Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center; Stuart Zola, Emory University; Xiangqin Cui, Emory University; Shiyu Chen, Emory University; Caroline Gerber, Atlanta VA Health Care System; Monica Willis Parker, Emory University; Crystal Davis, Emory University; Sidney Law, Emory University; Matthew Golden, MapHabit Inc; Camille Vaughan, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-10-01
• Publisher: JMIR
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: ©Jessica Kelleher, Stuart Zola, Xiangqin Cui, Shiyu Chen, Caroline Gerber, Monica Willis Parker, Crystal Davis, Sidney Law, Matthew Golden, Camille P Vaughan.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28165
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JMIR Aging
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: e28165
• End Page: e28165
• Grant/Funding Information: Both projects were funded by awards from the Georgia Research Alliance to Emory University. CPV receives support from the Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center. MWP receives support from the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory University (NIA 3P50AG025688).
• Keywords: Alzheimer; function; cognition; ageing; assistive technology; impaired memory; dementia; assistive devices; activities of daily living; mobile technology; mobile technologies; assistive technologies; cognitive; aging
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Psychology, Cognitive; Gerontology

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) apps using novel visual mapping assistive technology can allow users to develop personalized maps that aid people living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps needed to independently complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, and dressing. Objective: This study aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an mHealth assistive technology app providing guidance to aid individuals living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps to independently complete ADLs. Methods: A total of 14 Veterans (mean age 65 SD 9.5 years; 14/14, 100% male; 10/14, 71.4% Black) and 8 non-Veterans (mean age 78, SD 10.3 years; 5/8, 62.5% male; 8/8, 100% Black) were recruited and enrolled from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA cognitive care clinics. A visual mapping software program, MapHabit, was used to generate a series of personalized visual map templates focused on ADLs created within the MapHabit app. The visual maps were accessed through a tablet device. A 19-item exit questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess perceived improvement in their functional ability after using the MapHabit system for 3 months. Results: A total of 13 (93%) VA clinic participants and 8 (100%) non-VA clinic participants completed the 3-month study. Baseline cognitive testing indicated impaired to significantly impaired cognitive function. After 3 months of using the MapHabit system, VA clinic participants reported perceived improvement in social engagement (P=.01) and performance of ADLs (P=.05) compared to the baseline, whereas non-VA clinic participants reported improvements in the performance of ADLs (P=.02), mood (P=.04), social engagement (P=.02), and memory (P=.02). All study participants reported they would recommend the MapHabit system to a colleague, and 85% (11/14) of VA and 100% (8/8) of non-VA clinic participants reported a willingness to participate in a future study. Conclusions: Older VA and non-VA clinic participants with cognitive impairment were willing to use an mHealth app to assist with the completion of ADLs, and they reported positive preliminary effects. A larger study is warranted to assess the efficacy in the setting of a randomized controlled trial.