Voice-Activated Smart Speakers for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Jane Chung, PhD, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Emory University

Disqualifiers: Alzheimer's, Dementias, Severe impairment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study aims to test a new technology-based program designed to help improve the ability to manage chronic conditions. This program includes daily smart speaker use for managing different tasks and technology learning. Proper self-management of chronic conditions is critical to the maintenance of health. Digital technologies offer substantial potential to enhance self-management behaviors. Voice-operated smart speakers hold promise due to their ability to provide functional, cognitive, and social stimulation, send targeted reminders, and assist with daily schedules. Unfortunately, many older adults who live in low-income communities lack the resources and proficiency to take advantage of these options. Additionally, cognitive impairment is prevalent in independent living older adults, more prevalent in low-income older adults. The goal is to address these critical challenges by identifying smart speaker-based functions preferred by older adults, exploring their technology challenges, introducing them to these functions, and providing necessary technology training to improve self-efficacy in managing chronic conditions and enhance their engagement in self-management behaviors.

Research Team

Jane Chung, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those from low-income communities who may lack resources and proficiency in using digital technologies. Participants should be interested in improving their self-management of chronic conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Living in subsidized housing or with a housing voucher and having an annual income less than $30K

Having one or more chronic conditions

Having probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on the education-adjusted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score less than 24 and greater than or equal to 18

Exclusion Criteria

Severe visual/hearing impairment requiring assistance in participating in interactions with the smart speaker and integrated devices

Significant medical illness interfering with the study assessments and activities

Nursing home residents

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Technology Introduction and Training

Participants are introduced to smart speaker functions and receive necessary technology training to improve self-efficacy in managing chronic conditions.

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person), ongoing virtual support

Intervention

Participants use voice-activated smart speakers to manage chronic conditions, with tasks chosen from a list and monitored for engagement.

3 months

Ongoing virtual monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention, system usability, and self-efficacy in managing chronic conditions.

1 month

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Voice2Manage Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a program that uses voice-activated smart speakers to assist participants with daily tasks, provide reminders, and help manage schedules. It aims to improve the ability of these individuals to manage chronic conditions through technology training.

Participant Groups

Group I: Voice-activated smart speakers Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will complete a set of standardized questionnaires. A list of smart speaker-based tasks will be introduced. Participants will then be asked to choose three tasks from a list.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

University of California, Davis

Collaborator

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+