E‐FINGERPRINT Pilot Study: Assessing the feasibility of digital data collection and multidomain lifestyle guidance towards the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing eFINGER‐PRINT Pilot Study is a is a pioneering virtual feasibility study to evaluate different methodologies for recruitment and digital phenotyping in the context of readiness cohorts. In addition, the pilot aims to test virtual cognitive and other tools in their ability to detect changes in cognitive performance and lifestyle parameters over time, and associations between changes across other key health outcomes. The one‐year study was initiated in May 2022.MethodCognitively unimpaired individuals (up to 500) aged 60+ years residing in London, were recruited through the Cognitive Health in Ageing Register for Investigational and Observational Trials (CHARIOT). Inclusion criteria include no dementia diagnosis, access to the internet and a suitable device and English competency with no significant visual or auditory disability. The study collects subjective demographics, comorbidities, and health behaviours, sleep, frailty, functional abilities, and subjective memory symptoms, through repeated 4‐monthly questionnaire surveys administered online. Longitudinal cognitive data were obtained via a validated online cognitive assessment platform, and included customised assessments shown to be sensitive to AD related cognitive decline. Furthermore, participants are invited to join a preventative multi‐domain lifestyle guidance, based on repeated self‐reported evaluations of modifiable risk factors and a healthy lifestyle index, using a mobile, application. By joining the application, participants receive also bi‐monthly online educational literature on dementia prevention and healthy ageing, including guidance on nutrition and physical exercise and are asked to complete a variety of e‐based mental activities, targeting cognitive domains, such as memory, mental agility, visuospatial, and attention.ResultA minimum recruitment rate of 20% and a retention rate of 50% will provide a methodological template for the e‐FINGER PRINT study. Furthermore, participant feedback and experience will aid in optimising recruitment processes, user acceptability and sustainability of the selected digital tools. A low attrition rate will indicate a positive user experience.ConclusionThe pilot study will inform the design of the eFINGER PRINT main study, a five years’ large‐scale virtual FINGER‐based study that will be conducted in Greater London (2023‐2028). Given the promise of economic sustainability, utility of e‐based tools for disease prevention can offer dramatic up‐scalability and allow for the implementation of a prescriptive medicinal approach.