Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

AMPER Proof of Concept Study

The AMPER study investigates a tablet app designed to help people with Alzheimer's disease recall memories. Alzheimer's can make people forget their past, which affects their sense of self. AMPER uses an engaging animated character to show personal stories, pictures, and videos, hoping to spark memories and encourage conversations with caregivers. The study will involve 40 participants: half will use a personalised app with their own memories, while the other half will use a general version. Over 12 weeks, researchers will see if the personalised app is better at helping people remember and improving their memory, compared to the non-personalised version. The information gathered will help make AMPER better, with the aim of creating a tool to support memory and well-being.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Strathclyde

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Alzheimer's Dementia (AD)

What is this study about?

This study is about a new app called AMPER, which stands for "Agent-based Memory Prosthesis to Encourage Reminiscing." It's designed to help people with Alzheimer's disease recall their personal memories. When someone has Alzheimer's, they often find it harder to remember things about their own life, like past events, people, or places. This can be upsetting and make them feel a bit lost. AMPER tries to help with this by using a friendly animated character on a tablet screen.

The app works by showing people things linked to their past, like old photos, videos, or even stories that are personal to them. The idea is that these familiar sights and sounds will trigger memories and encourage people to reminisce and talk about their past, often with a family member or caregiver. The researchers want to see if this method can improve memory and make people feel better about themselves and their experiences. They also want to understand if a version of the app that is specially tailored with *your* personal memories is more helpful than a general version.

To find this out, the study will involve 40 people with Alzheimer's. Half of them will use the AMPER app with their own unique photos and stories, while the other half will use a version with more general content. Everyone will use the app at home for 12 weeks with the help of a caregiver. The researchers will measure how people's memory and thinking skills change before and after this period. They will also collect feedback from caregivers to see how useful and enjoyable the app is. The goal is to make AMPER the best it can be, so it can eventually help many more people with Alzheimer's to keep their precious memories alive and improve their quality of life.

Key takeaways

The AMPER study is looking into a tablet app to help people with Alzheimer's recall memories.
It uses an animated character to share personal stories, pictures, and videos.
The study compares a personalised app version with a general version.
Participants will use the app at home for 12 weeks with a caregiver.
The goal is to improve memory recall, quality of life, and general well-being.
The findings will help improve future memory support tools for Alzheimer's patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease that is not too severe. You also need to be 50 years old or older. It's important that your sight, hearing, and language skills are good enough to use the tablet and take part in assessments, though using glasses or hearing aids is perfectly fine.

You'll also need a family member or caregiver who can join you for study visits, help with assessments, and supervise you using the app at home. Your memory and thinking abilities, as measured by certain tests, will also need to fall within a specific range.

There are also some reasons why you might *not* be able to join. For example, if your medical records show a different diagnosis than Alzheimer's, or if you have other serious brain conditions like Parkinson's disease, or a history of significant head injuries. If you have severe vision problems, a major mental health condition, or a history of drug or alcohol misuse, you might not be eligible. The study team will review your medical information to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease?
Do you have a caregiver or family member who can help you with the study?
Can you see and hear well enough (with aids like glasses/hearing aids) to use a tablet?
Do you not have other serious brain conditions like Parkinson's disease?
Have your medical records been checked for other conditions that might exclude you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you and your caregiver will use the AMPER app at home for about 12 weeks. During this time, you'll be asked to use the app regularly. Before the study starts and then again after 12 weeks, you'll have appointments where your memory and thinking skills will be assessed. Your caregiver will also be asked to provide feedback each week about your experience with the app.

There are two groups in the study: one group will use a version of the AMPER app that is specifically personalised with your own memories, photos, and stories. The other group will use a version of the app that has more general content. You won't get to choose which group you are in; this will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. You won't be taking any new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as helping you connect with your personal memories and potentially improving your quality of life and self-esteem through reminiscing. You would also be contributing valuable information that could help develop better tools for people with Alzheimer's in the future. As with any study involving technology, there's always a small chance of minor frustrations or technical issues. The study team will be there to offer support and guidance. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Strathclyde
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is AMPER?

AMPER is a tablet app with an animated character designed to help people with Alzheimer's remember their past by showing them personal stories, photos, and videos.

Who can take part in this study?

People aged 50 or over with a mild to moderate Alzheimer's diagnosis, who have a caregiver, and whose sight, hearing, and language skills allow them to use a tablet.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll use the AMPER app at home with your caregiver for 12 weeks, and have your memory and thinking skills checked before and after this period.

Will the app be personalised for me?

Half of the participants will receive a personalised version with their own memories, and the other half will use a general version. Which group you are in will be decided randomly.

What happens if I want to stop taking part?

You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it won't affect any of your medical care.

How to find out more

Matthew Jamieson, PhD

matthew.jamieson@strath.ac.uk +44 7717780272 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.