Research

Could you help test apps designed to support people with dementia?

What could help people with dementia to stay independent and well for longer? 

Researchers are exploring a range of answers, all of which need to be tested by people living with the condition to make sure they work in the real world. 

One approach is to take advantage of devices most of us have to hand by creating helpful new apps. 

These include an app that lets people know when they might need extra support or advice, and another to help stay fit and avoid falls. 

Well at home 

Co-Cog is a smartphone app co-created by people living with dementia, healthcare workers and researchers, funded by the Applied Research Collaboration KSS. 

With its simple questions and optional games, people can monitor their own wellbeing at home. The idea is to pick up on changes where professional support could help sooner. 

The research team co-designed the app with people living with dementia and healthcare workers across Sussex and Kent. 

‘This enabled us to respond to issues people with dementia, cognitive impairment and caregivers felt were important, and adapt the way Co-Cog looked and felt,’ says Katherine Sykes, Implementation Lead for Living well with Dementia. 

The researchers are looking for more people with dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to test the app over four weeks, supported by a relative or friend. 

Ultimately this means Co-Cog is more likely to be useful, acceptable, accessible and useable for people living with dementia, and to be of value and benefit to them.

Karen, a volunteer, says, ‘It feels good to be able to help in the Co-Cog study. My part can be completed easily in the comforts of my home.’ 

This kind of innovation could also enable the health system to work more effectively. 

‘I hope to help other people with my diagnosis, and the NHS,’ adds Karen.

Keep on, keep up 

University of Manchester researchers developed the KOKU tablet app to help isolated older people during the pandemic. 

KOKU stands for ‘Keep On, Keep Up’ and the app includes strength and balance exercises to help prevent falls. It also offers games designed to help people make decisions about their own health. 

The researchers have since involved people living with dementia in creating KOKU-LITE – a version specifically for their needs. 

‘Our aim is to enable more people with dementia to live independently at home,’ says Research Fellow Jaheeda Gangannagaripalli. 

‘We want to reduce the need for visits to healthcare providers, home visits and hospitalisations, as well as reducing concerns about falling. 

This wouldn’t be possible without meaningfully involving people with lived experience.

Research volunteers provide vital information about how an app can be adapted to benefit people in as many different situations as possible. 

Avis and her husband Tony are among those now trying out KOKU­LITE. Although staying motivated can be a struggle, Avis is determined to test the app to its fullest. 

‘It would be easier if Tony wanted to improve at least his mobility,’ she says, ‘but I’m sure it will help many others more willing to take part. We will continue!’ 

Another couple, Mary and John, say they do the exercises together. 

‘It feels like we are doing something positive,’ says John. ‘Any kind of exercise is good for both of us, and having a routine to follow certainly helps. 

‘If it proves successful then it can be rolled out to a wider audience, and we will have contributed. 

Any research that can possibly help in any way is worth doing if the patient and carers are comfortable with the trial and what they need to do.