JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on a series of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) workshops with people living with dementia and carers where they discussed cognitive training and screening technologies designed to reduce the risk of dementia and identify changes in cognition. Little is known about the factors influencing the acceptance of such technologies. Four linked workshops were conducted with the same group, each focusing on a specific topic: meaningful improvement, learning and motivation, trust in digital diagnosis and barriers to technology adoption. Participants in the workshops included local Involvement Team members as well as those recruited via Join Dementia Research and researcher took part in some activities. The group activities were recorded, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with a combination of a priori and data-driven themes. Several important findings emerged, including the importance the group placed on maintaining good cognitive health, the importance of community activities within dementia and self-care and need for more support after a dementia diagnosis. The implications for researchers and technology developers are discussed.