The broad aim of this SBIR project is to use existing theory, research, and instructional technology to develop an introductory DVD along with an Internet-based Health Promotion Course (HPC) for older people with mild cognitive impairment or early stages of dementia. Dementia is a major challenge with 5.3 million in the US the diagnosis. While experts now agree non-pharmacological interventions are an essential approach for managing dementia symptoms (Burgener, et al, 2008;Saltzman et al, 2008), formal training systems have not directly targeted the people with the condition. Education and support services, up to now, have been directed at family and professional care providers, not the individual with the memory problem, assuming they could not learn or utilize skills. We have developed the concepts needed for a"senior friendly"introductory DVD and asynchronous on-line training system for direct delivery to older adults with mild memory loss and a care partner called Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit (c)(Buettner and Fitzsimmons, 2009), which promotes making healthy personal lifestyle choices and connections with others experiencing similar issues. This system of education and support may present a far more effective and sustainable approach in the management of dementia in both rural and urban settings. This innovative method of reaching older adults fills an important gap in services after diagnoses for PweD in order to reduce the risk of negative sequelae. The major specific aims of this Phase I project are as follows: 1) Produce a detailed storyboard for an introductory DVD and the 10 segment HPC which directly appeals to older adults, based on our preliminary work, while also targeting theory- and research-based mediators of health behavior change, 2)Produce and pilot test the introductory DVD and three online HPC sessions with older adults who have recently visited memory clinics to demonstrate feasibility of using this approach, and 3) Create a web-based system that allows us to: a) determine the amount of introductory-training required to engage PweD in the web-based HPC, b) routinely offer social networking and professional support directly to older adults, and c) identify barriers to implementation of the HPC application. Methods include interviews with advisory panel member and concept mapping. Concepts identified in the advisory panel interviews will be used to develop an outline for the strategies to be included in the prototype DVD and online sessions, full outline, and product marketing plan. A sample of 40 individuals with early stage dementia will be recruited from our local memory clinic and Alzheimer's Association to pilot the materials. The goals of the pilot are to: 1) provide an initial implementation of three sessions of the health promotion course to verify the technical feasibility of offering it online, 2) demonstrate the appeal of the program to caregivers and stakeholders, 3) assess the usability of the program by families in urban and rural settings, and 4) identify program content and strategies that need refinement and revision in order to be effective and widely marketed.
Public Health Relevance: Once the Health Promotions Course becomes refined and available, there is promise that people with early- stage dementia, and their caregivers, can easily and affordably access educational material. These materials could impact the incidence of secondary problems of the disease and perhaps slow the decline of functional abilities through a healthy lifestyle. The online format could be a viable, cost effective delivery system to persons in rural and remote areas.
