Using mHealth for Primary Prevention of Dementia: A Proof-of-Concept Study on Usage Patterns, Appreciation, and Beliefs and Attitudes Regarding Prevention

Irene Heger*, Kay Deckers, Marjolein De Vugt, Frans Verhey, Anke Oenema, Martin Van Boxtel, Sebastian Köhler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

Abstract

Background: Health- and lifestyle factors account for a substantial part of all dementia cases, which opens the opportunity for primary prevention. However, the required behavioral change is complex and involves targeting multiple risk factors. mHealth interventions can potentially contribute to improving motivation in a low-cost and scalable way. Objective: To explore usage patterns, appreciation, and beliefs and attitudes regarding dementia risk reduction during the use of the MyBraincoach mobile app. Methods: Participants were community-dwelling middle-aged adults from the Netherlands and used either the standard (education) or extended (education+motivational triggers) app version for three months. Two panel studies were combined in this paper. Chi-square tests, t-tests and linear mixed models were used, adjusted for age, sex, and education. Results: Of all participants (n = 299, 50.2% male), 167 (55.9%) had installed the app. The most reported reason for non-use was technical problems (47%). Those who used the app were at baseline already more positive about dementia risk reduction than those who did not use the app. Of all users who completed the evaluation (n = 102), 78.4% (n = 80) stated that the app provided a positive approach towards brain health and 80.4% (n = 82) felt better informed. Younger (<60y) and lower educated participants evaluated the app most positively. Conclusion: Usage of the app was low, but users showed more positive beliefs and attitudes regarding dementia risk reduction. Most users evaluated the app positively and stated to have gained knowledge on the topic. Improving the use of the app must keep high priority in future studies.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Prevention and Alzheimer’s Disease
EditorsC.A. Raji, Y. Leng, J.W. Ashford, D.S. Khalsa
Pages253-267
Number of pages15
Volume10
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-64368-493-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Publication series

SeriesAdvances in Alzheimer's Disease
ISSN2210-5727

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • awareness
  • dementia
  • mobile applications
  • primary prevention
  • protective factors
  • public health
  • risk assessment
  • risk factors
  • risk reduction behavior

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