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?
Participants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older
Patients with mild to moderate Dementia or MCI:
• Must be diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia (any type) or MCI
• 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.
Study Site
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2
The training session will be on-site. Follow-ups and interviews may be virtual based on participant preference.
Time requirement
This study will take approximately 6 weeks to complete, and will include 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)
—> Final interview: 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 questionnaire
U of T study investigator
Dr. Arlene Astell, arlene.astell@utoronto.ca
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