JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health coaching interventions have been linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) comorbidities such as diabetes. Despite the association, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy and perception of digital health coaching on AD prevention.

Objective:

Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine initial attitudes towards a digital health coaching intervention focused on the prevention of cognitive decline.

Methods:

This qualitative study is part of the ongoing Digital Cognitive Multi-domain Alzheimer’s Risk Velocity Study (DC-MARVel; Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789), a 2-year digital health coaching intervention focused on dementia risk, cognitive decline, and general health outcomes. At the time of the analysis, participants completed an average of 4 coaching sessions over a 4-month time period. A thematic analysis was conducted using feedback from 80 participants (mean age 64.20).

Results:

Four themes emerged from participants’ feedback: 1) healthy lifestyle behavior changes 2) value in coach support 3) a sense of self-awareness through introspection and 4) a desire for a change in program format (e.g., frequency). Ninety-three percent of participants expressed no changes were needed for the intervention.

Conclusions:

Digital cognitive health coaching was well-received by participants as evidenced by their reported positive mental and behavior changes. Feedback about their assigned coach also offers insight into the importance of the coach-participant relationship and may serve as a significant factor in overall participant success. Clinical Trial: NCT04559789