RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Talk-to-Jo" Intelligent Digital Health Companion, Neurocognitive Disorders and Dyads

With more people living longer, conditions affecting memory and thinking, like Alzheimer's, are becoming more common. This means more family and friends are taking on caring roles, which can be very demanding. This study is looking at a new digital tool called "Talk-to-Jo" to help support older adults with these conditions and their caregivers. "Talk-to-Jo" is like a digital assistant on a tablet. It asks questions about memory and mood, and then offers helpful advice to keep things stable or prevent problems from getting worse. This research wants to find out if this kind of technology is easy to use and helpful for both patients and their carers, especially when managing care at home.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Olivier Beauchet

Enrolment target

Start

12 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Caregiver Neurocognitive Disorders

What is this study about?

As more people live longer, we are seeing a rise in conditions that affect memory and thinking, such as dementia. These conditions can make daily life challenging not only for the person experiencing them but also for their family and friends who often become their main caregivers. Caring for someone can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be very demanding, sometimes leading to stress and exhaustion for the caregiver.

This study is looking at a new way to support people with memory and thinking problems and their caregivers, using a digital tool called "Talk-to-Jo." "Talk-to-Jo" is like a helpful assistant that lives on a tablet. It's designed to ask questions about how someone's memory is doing and how they are feeling, and then offer personalised tips and advice. This is all about trying to find new ways to help people live well at home for longer.

The main aim of this study is to see if "Talk-to-Jo" is easy for people to use and if it's helpful in day-to-day life. The researchers want to understand if this kind of technology can make a real difference in supporting both the person with memory problems and their caregiver, potentially easing some of the pressures that come with caring.

Key takeaways

Tests a digital helper for memory problems called 'Talk-to-Jo'.
Aims to support older adults and their caregivers at home.
Focuses on personalised advice for memory and mood.
No new medicines, just a digital tool.
Recruiting adults 65+ with memory problems and their caregivers.
The tool only works in French at present.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people: older adults with memory and thinking problems, and their caregivers.

For older adults, you need to be 65 or older and have a diagnosis of a mild to moderate memory or thinking problem (like early-stage dementia) that was identified in the last year. You'd also need to be already getting care for this condition at a specific clinic in Montreal. It's important that you live at home or in a non-medical retirement home, and you must be able to understand spoken and written French, as the "Talk-to-Jo" tool is only available in French.

For caregivers, you need to be caring for someone who fits the description above. It doesn't matter if you're a spouse, child, friend, or neighbour. You also need to understand spoken and written French. We can't include caregivers who have their own memory or thinking problems. We also can't include people in either group who have severe sight or hearing problems, unless these are well corrected by glasses or hearing aids to the point where you can easily have a phone conversation.

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 65 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of a mild to moderate memory or thinking problem?
Do you have a friend or family member who helps care for you?
Do you live at home or in a retirement home (not a nursing home)?
Can you understand and speak French well?
Are your vision and hearing good enough (with aids if needed) to have a phone conversation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be using the "Talk-to-Jo" digital helper on a tablet. The study will involve regular check-ups to see how you're getting on with the tool and how it's affecting your daily life and well-being. There won't be any new medicines involved, as this study is focused on the digital companion. The total length of time you'd be involved in the study isn't stated here, but you would be given full details by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part might include getting extra support and personalised advice through "Talk-to-Jo," which could help manage daily challenges and improve your sense of well-being. For caregivers, this might mean some reduction in stress. Any risks are expected to be low, as this is a digital tool rather than a medical treatment. However, some people might find using new technology a bit frustrating at first, or it might not provide the exact help they expected. Your privacy will be protected. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

CRIUGM
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Talk-to-Jo'?

'Talk-to-Jo' is a digital assistant on a tablet designed to help older adults with memory problems and their caregivers. It asks questions and gives helpful tips.

Who can take part in this study?

Older adults (65+) with mild to moderate memory problems who live at home, and their caregivers. Both must understand French.

Will I have to take new medicine?

No, this study is about using a digital tool, not a new medicine.

What if I can't see or hear very well?

If glasses or hearing aids help you to hear and see well enough to have a phone conversation, you might still be able to join.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is recruiting patients who are already receiving care at the outpatient clinic of the Montreal Geriatric University Institute in Canada.

How to find out more

Olivier Beauchet, MD

olivier.beauchet@umontreal.ca 5143403540 Official trial record

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