A Tablet-Based Application to Enhance Social Connectedness for Individuals With a Cognitive Impairment: Results From the PRISM-CI Pilot Study

Overview

Journal J Appl Gerontol

Specialties Geriatrics
Infectious Diseases

Date 2024 Apr 30

PMID 38685877

Authors

Francesca B Falzarano

Darby Lucius-Milliman

Marco Ceruso

Sara J Czaja

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Social engagement is fundamental to successful aging and linked to better emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Maintaining social engagement is challenging for many older adults but especially for those with a cognitive impairment (CI). Information and communication technologies (ICT) can provide enhanced opportunities for social and cognitive engagement for older adults with a CI via increased information, education, and social connectivity access. This study used a pre-test post-test design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system, a tablet-based application designed to enhance access to resources, information, and social engagement, in 52 individuals with a CI between the ages of 65-88 years who had access to PRISM-CI for five months. Findings show that social isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms significantly decreased, and mobile device proficiency significantly increased, from baseline to follow-up. Results highlight ICTs potential to foster social engagement among older adults with a CI.

Citing Articles

The Efficacy of a Home-Based Functional Skills Training Program for Older Adults With and Without a Cognitive Impairment.

Czaja S, Kallestrup P, Harvey P Innov Aging. 2024; 8(7):igae065.

PMID: 39081781 PMC: 11287767. DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae065.

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