LABPSI: E-Health App for Cognitive Stimulation in Elderly population

REVOLLO SARMIENTO, A.; LOPEZ MORENO, M. C.; VIVAS, L.

Porto Alegre

Congreso; AAIC Neuroscience Next Porto Alegre Hub 2024 Conference; 2024

Alzheimer´s Association

Background: Using health applications provides benefits for cognitive stimulation, offering a technologically accessible option that promotes autonomy in the elderly. In this study, we present the app version of a web platform for cognitive stimulation in the elderly called LABPSI (https://labpsi.mdp.edu.ar). This lite version can be downloaded for android mobile phones and used offline. The aim of this study is to assess the usability and the feasibility of the app version of LABPSI in this population.Methods: The sample comprised 25 elderly people (81% female) with a mean age of 72.9, without MCI determined by ACE-III. The first non-functional prototype was created with Uizard (a web platform for non-professional), collecting participant ́ s preferences such as font type, size, and colors through a guided questionnaire. A percentage analysis of each requirement was conducted, and those options selected by the majority were selected. Following that, the app’s interface was developed from a user-centered design perspective, using the App Inventor software.Finally, users were introduced to the app providing thenecessary time for use and exploration. Subsequently, they answered the MAUQ (Zhou L. et al., 2019) e-health application usability questionnaire to assess participants' perceived ease of use, satisfaction, and utility when using LABPSI.Results: As a result, the first functional prototype of the LABPSI app was obtained, which includes various cognitive stimulation exercises for the elderly. The descriptive analysis of the MAUQ usability questionnaire variables were: a) ease of use; b) interface and satisfaction; c) utility. The first variable had a median value of 22 with a maximum questionnaire score of 25 and a range of responses of [6-25]. The second variable had a median value of 30, with a maximum questionnaire score of 35, and a range of responses of [21, 35]. Finally, the utility variable scored a median of 26 with respect to the maximum questionnaire score of 30, with a range of [16-30].Conclusions: The use of mobile apps designed for elderly enhances usability, reduces the digital divide, and improves cognitive stimulation interventions during aging. Preliminary results of its usability are currently in progress.