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[TD‐P‐020]: IMPROVING BRAIN HEALTH THROUGH AN ONLINE LIFESTYLE PROGRAM: PREFERENCES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE
Author(s) -
Wesselman Linda M.P.,
Schild AnnKatrin,
CollPadros Nina,
Borg Wieke,
Slot Rosalinde E.R.,
Sannemann Lena,
Rami Lorena,
Molinuevo José Luis,
Bouwman Femke H.,
Jessen Frank,
Flier Wiesje M.,
Sikkes Sietske A.M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.2616
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , cognition , cognitive decline , the internet , trustworthiness , perception , psychology , medicine , gerontology , clinical psychology , qualitative research , social psychology , psychiatry , disease , dementia , social science , pathology , neuroscience , sociology , world wide web , computer science
generated much interest are locating systems. Such systems allow to locate persons with dementia (PwD) via global positioning system technology. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness and potential benefits of locating systems for PwD and their caregivers (CG). Methods:We conducted a two month longitudinal user study with 20 dyads of PwD and CG (dementia severity: n1⁄410 mild and n1⁄410 moderate). Outcome measures were three times determined. We implemented a cross-over design with two similar available locating system watches (Himatic and ReSOS), followed by detailed analyses focusing on user experience. Our primary outcome measures were usability and acceptability. Secondary outcome measures comprised caregiver burden, activities of daily living and quality of life. Covariates were technological affinity and group membership. Results: 18 dyads completed the study. Overall usability ratings decreased after two months of use, from 75.7% to 65.2% (t(35)1⁄41.88,p1⁄4.067,n1⁄436). Surprisingly, technological affinity scores also decreased over time, from 76.8% to 61% (t(35)1⁄47.33,p1⁄4.000,n1⁄436). No changes were detected regarding caregiver burden, activities of daily living and quality of life. Multiple regression analysis revealed four factors predicting participants’ usability ratings at baseline (R1⁄4.92,F(8,11)1⁄4 16.31,p1⁄4.000). PwD had lower usability ratings than CG (b1⁄4.30,p1⁄4.026) and low usability scores were associated with more pronounced dementia (b1⁄4-.72,p1⁄4.000). As expected, lower technological affinity negatively predicted usability (b1⁄4.36,p1⁄4.006). Evaluating Himatic predicted lower usability than rating ReSOS (b1⁄4.57,p1⁄4.001). Educational sessions and handbooks were essential for all dyads. Conclusions:Our study investigates two locating systems and which factors might influence their potential benefit. More impaired PwD as well as participants with low technological affinity seem to experience less usability indicating the importance of educational sessions and professional advice. Usability ratings and technological affinity dropped over time reflecting technical dysfunction and stressful effects. More detailed analyses implicate recommendations for professionals and developers. Finally, data from our study suggest that usability of assistive technology has to improve and has only started on a long way to facilitate dementia care.