PRODEMOS - Pilot
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevention of Dementia using Mobile phone Applications (PRODEMOS): A pilot study of a randomised implementation trial
IRAS ID
260911
Contact name
Harm van Marwijk
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 17 days
Research summary
Approximately a third of all dementia cases may be the result of an unhealthy lifestyle and high blood pressure. People in disadvantaged areas have a higher risk of dementia. A healthier lifestyle, including eating a healthier diet and becoming more physically active, can provide an opportunity to decrease the risk of dementia. It is suggested that an easy-to-use smartphone application (app) with remote support of a health coach could tailor information to the individual, and support lifestyle change. This way, people who would otherwise be unable or unwilling to access formal healthcare services could get support to improve their lifestyle and reduce the risk of dementia.
Our PRevention Of DEmentia using MObile phone applicationS (PRODEMOS) project funded by the European Union, aims to investigate whether an interactive smartphone app with remote support of a health coach will be effective in helping people aged 55+ reduce their risk of dementia. The mHealth intervention app has been developed in collaboration with people living in deprived areas of the UK.
This pilot study will test the methods and procedures that will be used in a future randomised control trial (RCT). We will use the information gained from this pilot to refine or modify the intervention and procedures in order to maximise the potential for effectiveness of the larger-scale RCT scheduled to commence in January 2020.
The pilot study will comprise an intervention and qualitative evaluation. We will invite 30 individuals from deprived areas in Kent, Surrey and Sussex to take part. 20 participants will use an interactive mHealth app, 10 participants will use a control app which will give static health information only; the intervention will last for 8 weeks. On completion of the intervention, participants will be invited to take part in a qualitative evaluation of the mHealth app to discuss their user experience.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0934
Date of REC Opinion
6 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion