Let's Talk Tech for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Clara Berridge, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Washington

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

240 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if "Let's Talk Tech," a web application, helps individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia feel more prepared to make decisions about using technology at home. Participants will either use this web application with a study partner or receive usual care, which involves no intervention. The researchers will compare these two groups to assess whether the tool increases confidence and preparedness in making technology-related decisions. Individuals with MCI or mild dementia who can understand and speak English and have a support person to participate with them may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance decision-making confidence for those with MCI or mild dementia.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Let's Talk Tech tool is safe for use in supporting care at home?

Research shows that Let's Talk Tech is designed to help people understand and discuss technology used for home care and safety. Although specific safety data for Let's Talk Tech is not available, it serves as an educational web app, not a treatment for medical conditions, which involves little risk.

The tool is currently in a testing phase that evaluates its effectiveness in decision-making, not health safety. Therefore, no harmful effects are known from using Let's Talk Tech. Participants will use the app and complete surveys, which is expected to be safe and manageable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Let's Talk Tech intervention for mild cognitive impairment because it offers a fresh approach by using technology to engage patients and their partners together in the treatment process. Unlike traditional options, which often rely on medications or cognitive training sessions, this intervention is self-administered and designed to be completed as a dyad, meaning a patient and their partner work through it together. This collaborative approach not only fosters social interaction but also empowers patients by involving their loved ones directly, potentially enhancing the overall effectiveness and adherence to the intervention.

What evidence suggests that the Let's Talk Tech tool is effective for improving decision-making about technologies for mild cognitive impairment?

Research shows that "Let's Talk Tech," a tool available to participants in this trial, can help individuals with mild memory problems feel more prepared to make technology-related decisions. In earlier studies, users of this tool communicated more effectively with their care partners about technology choices. The tool aims to help users understand and feel confident when selecting technologies for care and safety. Early results suggest it enhances decision-making by encouraging open discussions about needs and preferences. This can lead to better planning and use of technology in managing memory challenges. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Clara Berridge, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 55 or older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia, and their primary support person who is at least 18. Both must speak English and be able to use the 'Let's Talk Tech' tool together.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 55 years old or older.

My study partner and I can attend the test together.

I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants use the Let's Talk Tech web application together with their study partner

1 hour

1 session (self-administered)

Assessment

Participants complete surveys to assess technology awareness, understanding, and decision-making preparedness

3 months

3 surveys (baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in preparedness and decisional conflict regarding technology use

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Let's Talk Tech

Trial Overview 'Let's Talk Tech' is a web application designed to educate users about home care technologies for those with memory issues. The study compares this tool against usual care to see if it improves decision-making confidence regarding technology use.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Let's Talk Tech intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention group will complete the single use self-administered Let's Talk Tech intervention together as a dyad.

Group II: Usual care Active Control 1 Intervention

This control group will receive usual care, which means they will complete no intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,858

Recruited

2,023,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The pilot study of the 'Let's Talk Tech' intervention showed significant improvements in care partners' understanding of technology and their preparedness to make decisions about its use in dementia care, involving 29 dyads living with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Participants reported that the intervention facilitated meaningful conversations about technology preferences, indicating its potential to enhance communication and decision-making in dementia care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preliminary Efficacy of Let's Talk Tech: Technology Use Planning for Dementia Care Dyads. Berridge, C., Turner, NR., Liu, L., et al.[2023]

In a pooled analysis of safety data from 1054 participants in two Phase 3 Alzheimer's disease studies, the overall annualized discontinuation rate was 21.6%, with 8.2% of participants discontinuing due to adverse events, highlighting the challenges of maintaining participants in clinical trials.

Adverse events such as falls, pneumonia, and atrial fibrillation were more common in older participants, indicating that age significantly influences safety outcomes in Alzheimer's disease trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events and dropouts in Alzheimer's disease studies: what can we learn? Henley, DB., Sundell, KL., Sethuraman, G., et al.[2015]

In a study of 123 patients treated with donepezil for Alzheimer's dementia, 21% discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs), highlighting the need for careful monitoring during the initial months of therapy.

The most common AEs leading to discontinuation were nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, indicating that these side effects are significant considerations in the management of patients on donepezil.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Adverse events causing discontinuation of donepezil for Alzheimer's dementia]. Carøe, TK., Moe, C.[2018]

There is currently no pharmacological treatment to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, making Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) a critical area for research and intervention.

Recent studies have focused on using information and communication technologies, including sensors, personal devices, and robots, to assess and assist patients with MCI, but there is still significant potential for improvement in these technological solutions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Novel Technological Solutions for Assessment, Treatment, and Assistance in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Mancioppi, G., Fiorini, L., Timpano Sportiello, M., et al.[2020]

A study involving 16 participants aged 65 and older showed that older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) found physical activity apps like Sworkit® and 7-Minute Workout® easy to use and enjoyable, with 100% of participants smiling while playing these games.

In contrast, cognitive training apps were less engaging, with only 35% of participants smiling, indicating that physical activity apps may be more appealing and effective for this population, highlighting the importance of user feedback in app development.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Usability of Physical Activity and Cognitive Training Applications in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Smith, L., Argentina, V.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10132307/

Preliminary Efficacy of Let's Talk Tech: Technology Use ... This paper presents preliminary efficacy findings of this intervention designed to educate and facilitate dyadic communication about a range of technologies ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-cognitive-dysfunction-1-2025-5426f

Let's Talk Tech for Mild Cognitive Impairment What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Let's Talk Tech for mild cognitive impairment? Research shows that technology-based cognitive training ...

3. trials.braintumor.org trials.braintumor.org/trials/NCT06817122

The "Let's Talk Tech" Tool to Support Decision Making About ... The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if "Let's Talk Tech" helps people feel more prepared to make decisions about technologies. Researchers will compare ...

4. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13872877251332659

Sharing patient technology preferences with care networks Let's Talk Tech (LTT) is a self-administered web intervention for people with memory loss and their care partners that supports decision-making about ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/370326091_Preliminary_Efficacy_of_Let's_Talk_Tech_Technology_Use_Planning_for_Dementia_Care_Dyads

Technology Use Planning for Dementia Care Dyads Results Twenty-nine mild AD dementia care dyads who live together completed the study. There was statistically significant improvement with ...

6. trialfinder.panfoundation.org trialfinder.panfoundation.org/en-US/trial/listing/574635

The "Let's Talk Tech" Tool to Support Decision Making About ... "Let's Talk Tech" is a new tool to educate people about technologies commonly used to support care and monitor safety, and help families talk about their ...

7. connect.careboxhealth.com connect.careboxhealth.com/en-US/trial/listing/574635

The "Let's Talk Tech" Tool to Support Decision Making About ... "Let's Talk Tech" is a new tool to educate people about technologies commonly used to support care and monitor safety, and help families talk about their ...