Clinical Interventions in Aging (Dec 2021)
An Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy App for People with Dementia and Carers: Results from a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Abstract
Harleen Kaur Rai,1 Justine Schneider,2 Martin Orrell3 1Department of Computer & Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Livingstone Tower, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 1HX, UK; 2School of Sociology & Social Policy, Law & Social Sciences Building, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, England, NG7 2RD, UK; 3Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, England, NG7 2TU, UKCorrespondence: Harleen Kaur RaiDepartment of Computer & Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Livingstone Tower, Glasgow, G1 1HX, UKEmail [email protected]: There is a lack of digital resources that support the cognition and quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia. The individual cognitive stimulation therapy application (iCST app) aims to provide cognitive stimulation and social interaction to people with dementia and carers through interactive touch-screen technology. This study set out to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the iCST app.Methods: This was a single blind, feasibility RCT including people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers. Multiple trial components were assessed including recruitment and retention rates, intervention fidelity and usability, and acceptability of the outcome assessments which included measures of cognition and QoL. A sample of the intervention group was invited to a semi-structured post-trial interview to examine the experience of using the iCST app.Results: Sixty-one dyads were randomised to the iCST app (n = 31) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group (n = 30) for 11 weeks. In the iCST app group, 77% used the intervention for 20 minutes or more each week. Carers using the iCST app rated their QoL better at follow-up 2 compared to the TAU control group (EQ-5D, MD = 7.69, 95% CI = 2.32– 13.06, p = 0.006). No significant differences were found on the other outcome measures.Conclusion: The iCST app was deemed usable and enjoyable. Most participants completed the activities more quickly than anticipated and did not have enough activities to continue using the app frequently. Expansion of the iCST app is needed to maintain engagement for longer. Findings indicate that computerised cognitive stimulation can be beneficial, and a large-scale RCT is feasible with modifications to trial components. The results are relevant to researchers, software developers, policy-makers, people with dementia and carers who are looking to be involved in such interventions.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03282877. Registered on 19 July 2017.Keywords: cognitive stimulation, application, feasibility trial, touch-screen
