Perceptions of the use of mobile apps to assess sleep-dependent memory in older adults with subjective and objective cognitive impairment: focus group approach

Background: Sleep-dependent memory (SDM) is the phenomenon where newly obtained memory traces are consolidated from short-term memory stores to long-term memory, underpinning memory for daily life. Administering SDM tasks presents considerable challenges, particularly for older adults with memory concerns, due to the need for sleep laboratories and research staff being present to administer the task. In response, we have developed a prototype mobile app aimed at automating the data collection process. Objective: This study investigates the perspectives of older adults, with subjective or objective cognitive impairment, regarding barriers and facilitators to using a new mobile app for at-home assessment of SDM. Methods: In total, 11 participants aged 50 years and older were recruited from the Healthy Brain Ageing memory clinic, a specialized research memory clinic that focuses on the assessment and early intervention of cognitive decline. Two focus groups were conducted and thematically analyzed using NVivo (version 13; Lumivero). Results: On average, participants were aged 68.5 (SD 5.1) years, and 4/11 were male. Eight participants had subjective cognitive impairment, and 3 participants had mild cognitive (objective) impairment. Two main themes emerged from the focus groups, shedding light on participants' use of mobile phones and the challenges and facilitators associated with transitioning from traditional laboratory-based assessments to home assessments. These challenges include maintaining accurate data, engaging with humans versus robots, and ensuring accessibility and task compliance. Additionally, potential solutions to these challenges were identified. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of app flexibility in accommodating diverse user needs and preferences as well as in overcoming barriers. While some individuals required high-level assistance, others expressed the ability to navigate the app independently or with minimal support. In conclusion, older adults provided valuable insights into the app modifications, user needs, and accessibility requirements enabling home-based SDM assessment.