Dementia risk reduction in the general practice: a proof‐of‐concept study evaluating the use of a brain health promotion smartphone app

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDuring the last decades, evidence supporting the relevance of brain health promotion and dementia risk reduction has considerably expanded (1). Currently, this evidence is sufficient to take public health action (2, 3). However, implemented interventions are still scarce, especially at a large scale. In the Netherlands, evidence‐based cardiovascular risk management is already implemented in primary care. Since there is a large overlap between modifiable risk factors for dementia and those for cardiovascular disease, discussing dementia risk reduction next to cardiovascular health in the general practice seems a feasible, first step towards future large‐scale implementation of dementia risk reduction strategies.MethodA proof‐of‐concept study is currently being conducted in ten general practices in the Netherlands in which 180 participants between 40 and 60 years old, with room for improvement on at least one modifiable risk factor, will have a consultation with their general practitioner or practice nurse. During this consultation, they will learn about brain health promotion and how they could personally improve their risk profile. Practices have been randomly allocated (1:1) to either provide the consultation only, or to additionally provide the participants with a brain health promotion smartphone app (i.e. MijnBreincoach).ResultFeasibility will be evaluated using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge on dementia risk reduction, health behavior, motivation, usability, satisfaction, and user experience with the smartphone app. Surveys will be administered before the consultation at the general practice and three months thereafter. Further, ten participants and four healthcare professionals will be invited for a qualitative interview to get a more in‐depth view of the intervention’s feasibility.ConclusionDiscussing dementia risk reduction in the general practice may constitute a feasible and effective, scalable approach towards dementia risk reduction. Results of the study are expected by July 2023.