What is the study about?

This study looks at how a smartphone application may help people living with dementia complete daily activities by reminding them of their tasks. Being unable to complete daily activities is a main factor in people with dementia losing independence. Providing cues can ‘nudge’ people living with dementia back to their in-process tasks to complete activities, such as cooking successfully. CUE-D, a smartphone app, provides timely cues and reminders to keep people on track. This project looks to see if CUE-D design elements (e.g., voice cues, interface) are useful for people living with dementia.

Eligibility - Who can participate?

Participants must:

• Self-identify as a person living with dementia

• Live in Ontario, Canada (within a two-hour drive from Toronto, Ontario)

• Speak and understand English

• Agree to be video and audio recorded as part of the study

• Have the capacity to provide independent, informed consent

Study Site

Participate from home. 

Department of Occupational Sciences & Occupational Therapy

Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2A2

Time requirement

This study will take a total time of approximately 25 minutes, and will include the following:

• Demographic questionnaire including the collection of sex, age, and previous experience with technology. This should take about 5 minutes to complete.

• Testing CUE-D. You will be asked to make a calendar/event reminder using CUE-D at home. You will be video recorded while using CUE-D so the research team can see how you use the system. This will take about 5 minutes to complete.

• Interview and Scale. At the end of the session, the research team will ask you about your opinion of CUE-D using a feedback questionnaire and interview. The interview will be audio-recorded. This will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Uoft study investigator

Dr. Arlene Astell, PhD, C. Psychol, arlene.astell@utoronto.ca

"Please note that communication via e-mail is not absolutely secure. Thus, please do not communicate personal sensitive information via e-mail."