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How cost-effective is a novel smart technology app for monitoring health and promoting care in individuals at risk of dementia?
Sanjib Saha, Ph.D.
Lund University
Lund, Sweden
Background
As dementia becomes more prevalent worldwide, researchers are looking for novel, cost-effective ways of improving care practices for individuals with cognitive (brain function) decline and their caregivers. Such methods have, in recent years, often involved smart technology. One recent study tested a novel app called the Support, Monitoring and Reminder Technology for Mild Dementia (SMART4MD). This tablet app is designed to promote the care of individuals at risk of dementia through digital reminders of health care appointments, games that stimulate cognitive function and other features. From 2017 to 2020, SMART4MD was tested in two European countries — Spain and Sweden — by individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, a condition of subtle memory loss that may precede dementia) and their caregivers. More than 1,000 caregiver/care recipient teams participated, some of whom received the SMART4MD therapy and some who received standard care.
Research Plan
As dementia becomes more prevalent worldwide, researchers are looking for novel, cost-effective ways of improving care practices for individuals with cognitive (brain function) decline and their caregivers. Such methods have, in recent years, often involved smart technology. One recent study tested a novel app called the Support, Monitoring and Reminder Technology for Mild Dementia (SMART4MD). This tablet app is designed to promote the care of individuals at risk of dementia through digital reminders of health care appointments, games that stimulate cognitive function and other features. From 2017 to 2020, SMART4MD was tested in two European countries — Spain and Sweden — by individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, a condition of subtle memory loss that may precede dementia) and their caregivers. More than 1,000 caregiver/care recipient teams participated, some of whom received the SMART4MD therapy and some who received standard care.
Impact
This study could help determine the viability of a novel technology-based tool for improving dementia care. It could also lead to larger studies assessing the economic impact of similar technologies.
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