As the population of older individuals with cognitive deficits continues to grow, there is a pressing need for technology-assisted tools that can effectively support their daily lives. Despite the availability of various digital memory notebook applications and smart home devices, many older adults struggle to adopt these aids due to perceived complexity or lack of relevance.

A recent study by Collerton and colleagues (2014) found that individuals living in supported accommodations were curious about electronic aids, but often viewed them as too complicated for their needs. Similarly, a variety of technology-assisted tools have been recommended as compensatory aids for individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), such as Penultimate, Touch Calendar, and Cozi; however, these tools are not being widely adopted.

In an effort to address this gap, our pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of partnering a digital memory notebook application with a smart home that delivers context-aware reminder prompts in individuals with aMCI. The goal is to enhance acquisition and longer-term use of the aid, ultimately improving daily functioning and independence for these individuals.

For those living with aMCI, changes in ability to efficiently complete everyday tasks are associated with disease progression, and recent research suggests that compensation use can delay transition to dementia. However, using a digital memory notebook requires not only learning the process but also developing a habit of consistent use – a challenging task for individuals with declining memory, attention, and executive abilities.

To overcome these challenges, our study focuses on designing an intuitive and user-friendly reminder system that leverages the smart home environment to provide context-aware prompts. By combining the digital memory notebook application with smart home technology, we aim to create a seamless experience that supports individuals with aMCI in managing their daily activities independently.

Overall, this pilot study has the potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of how technology can support older adults living with cognitive deficits, and ultimately inform the development of more effective compensatory aids for individuals with aMCI.

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