Dementia Guide Expert

Background: Though the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) continues to rise, the majority of people feel uninformed and fearful of the disease. Mobile apps are a platform that can offer easy access to comprehensive information, advice, and resources. No apps are available that provide a coordinated, centralized source of information on ADRD, including practical advice to support persons with dementia and help them confront daily challenges throughout the disease continuum. Objective: We examined the utility of a mobile app as a new approach to educating older adults with and without dementia, caregivers, and clinicians on how to navigate the challenging ADRD experience from diagnosis to end of life. Methods: We developed a mobile app, Dementia Guide Expert, to deliver evidence-based and practical information about ADRD. We conducted initial usability testing of the app in older-age adults and practicing clinicians. Results: Beta testing among older adults (n=53) found that the content was engaging and useful but could be reorganized to improve access. Among clinicians (n=20), 50% strongly agreed and 50% agreed that the app provided valuable information and practical advice and would be useful for people with ADRD and their caregivers. The app was launched in December 2017. As of March 2019, the app had been downloaded/viewed 24,353 times in 12 countries and it was recently translated into Spanish. Conclusion: Using a mobile app to disseminate evidence-based information about ADRD is feasible and was well received by both older adults and clinicians. Plans are underway to translate the app into additional languages, which will help in global adoption, increase dementia awareness, and provide the world population with knowledge and skills to better understand and manage the challenges of ADRD.