Comparing Smartphone Technology and a Memory Strategy on Improving Prospective Memory in Alzheimer's Disease

Summary

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating condition for patients and their caregivers marked by hallmark cognitive symptoms (e.g., memory loss) as well as an impact on quality of life. Researchers and clinicians are learning that a specific type of memory, called prospective memory, may be particularly affected in mild Alzheimer's disease. Prospective memory is memory for future intentions, goals, and chores, and the loss of the neurocognitive processes supporting prospective memory may reduce independent functioning (e.g., medication adherence). The current study investigates a technology-based intervention to assist participants with their daily prospective memory tasks. Participants with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease will be trained to use a smartphone for four weeks. Smartphone acceptability, usability, and overall user experience will be measured. Furthermore, participants will be tested on completion of daily prospective memory tasks. In one group, participants will train to use the smartphone personal assistant reminder system, which reminds participants of their goals, tasks, and chores at the appropriate time or location. In a comparison group, participants will also carry a smartphone but will train to use a memory strategy in which they verbalize external cues to remind them to perform their goals, tasks, and chores. The goal of this research is to inform whether smartphone technology or a memory strategy can be used to reduce memory burden and improve daily, independent functioning in participants with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Conditions

• Alzheimer Disease
• Cognitive Impairment, Mild
• Dementia, Mild

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Smartphone Personal Assistant

Electronic memory aids (e.g., pagers) are known to support memory for goals and intentions (prospective memory) in individuals with cognitive impairment. Smartphone technology has the potential to enhance the benefits of previous electronic memory aids because they can provide reminders not only at the correct time, but also at the correct location.

BEHAVIORAL

Implementation Intention

Verbally specifying when and where one intends to complete a goal or action (prospective memory) is known to improve the likelihood of later completing that prospective memory. The implementation intention is the best known memory strategy for prospective memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  collaborator NIH

• Baylor University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Michael Scullin, PhD · Baylor University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-01-08

Primary Completion

2020-02-28

Completion

2020-02-28

Countries

• United States

Study Locations