JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lifestyle behaviours including exercise, sleep, diet, stress, mental stimulation, and social interaction have been shown to have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing dementia. mHealth apps have been valuable tools in addressing these lifestyle behaviours for general health and wellbeing, and there is growing recognition of their potential use as a tool focusing on brain-health and dementia prevention. In order to design effective apps that are both evidence-based and safeguard user data, app creators must address the gaps observed in the current state of dementia-related mHealth apps.

Objective:

Describe the scope of available apps intended for use by the general public relating to dementia prevention and risk factors, highlighting gaps and suggesting a path forward for future development.

Methods:

A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted from October 19, 2022 to November 2, 2022. A total of 1044 dementia-related mHealth apps were retrieved across a comprehensive array of sources, including mobile app stores, peer-reviewed literature, dementia/Alzheimer’s association/advocacy websites, and websites accessed using a browser search. After screening, 152 apps met the inclusion criteria and were coded by two independent reviewers using an extraction framework. The extraction framework was adapted using the Silberg scale, a scoping review of mHealth apps for persons with multiple sclerosis by Giunti et al. [1], and background research of modifiable dementia risk factors. Coded elements included: evidence-based and expert credibility, app features, lifestyle element(s) of focus, and privacy/security.

Results:

Of the final selection of apps that met final selection criteria, 57.9% of these address the modifiable lifestyle behaviours associated with reducing dementia risk. However, the majority of these apps only addressed one lifestyle behaviour- with mental stimulation being the most frequently addressed of the lifestyle behaviours investigated in this study. The majority of apps scored 2 points out of 9 on the Silberg scale, with a mean score of 2.4 points. Most apps did not disclose app information including expert consultation (79.0%), evidence-based information (82.2%), author credentials (96.1%), and information sources (88.2%). Moreover, 69.2%, did not disclose adherence to data privacy/security practices or lack thereof.

Conclusions:

There is an opportunity for mHealth apps to support individuals in regularly engaging in behaviours linked to reducing dementia risk. While there is a market for these products, there is a lack of dementia-related apps focused on multiple lifestyle behaviours. There are currently gaps in rigour of app development regarding evidence-base and credibility of apps, as well as adherence to data privacy/security standards. Addressing these observed gaps- such as through following established and validated guidelines- will be necessary for dementia-related apps to be effective and advance successfully.