RESILIEN‐T: Field testing a lifestyle coaching app for subjective cognitive decline

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLinks between subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and dementia are encouraging older adults to optimize their physical and mental health. Self‐managing lifestyle factors such as physical activity, healthy eating, social and cognitive stimulation can contribute to this optimization. RESILIEN‐T is an international project co‐producing and field testing an integrated goal‐setting and coaching app with and for older adults.MethodPhase 1 iterative co‐production of the user interface, goal‐setting and coaching elements. Phase 2 mixed methods pilot trial with 15 participants with SCD (mean age 80 years) in four countries evaluated the prototype for two months. Phase 3 mixed‐methods field trial with 221 participants with SCD across four countries randomly assigned to the RESILIEN‐T intervention or control arm for three months. Minimum Data set of SCD (MAC‐Q) and health (EQ5D‐5L) were completed at baseline and end of trial, when usability (System Usability Scale) was also assessed.ResultAll pilot participants reported positive experiences with RESILIEN‐T, enjoying the easy‐to‐use interface and the daily suggestions to keep active. In the field study the MAC‐Q score improved in both groups, but this was only significant in the RESILIEN‐T group who improved significantly more than the control group. Health score improvement was higher in the RESILIEN‐T group but not significantly and SUS score was acceptable (71.9).ConclusionThe RESILIEN‐T project confirms the interest among older adults with SCD of self‐managing lifestyle factors to promote cognitive health. The results of this short‐term intervention show promise for people with SCD to positively impact their cognition