Acceptability of Technologies to Support Early Dementia Detection: Qualitative Study With the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center Cohort

Background: Dementia is on the rise globally due to increasing life expectancies and population growth. Digital technologies may help detect early signs, enabling timely interventions to slow or reverse cognitive decline. However, to support the successful implementation of these digital technologies into health care settings, they must be acceptable to target users. Older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at risk of developing dementia in later life and need to be able to use these technologies in order for this intervention to be approved and implemented in clinical practice. Objective: This study explored the perspectives of older adults and those living with a clinical diagnosis of MCI on the acceptability of using various digital technologies that have the potential to support early dementia detection. Methods: Participants were recruited from Boston University's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Participants selected at least 2 technologies from 9 different wearables and software to use for 2 weeks, at 3-month intervals, over a total duration of 2 years. A subgroup of self-selecting participants was interviewed after the first 2 weeks of use to gather initial perspectives regarding the acceptability of using the digital technologies. An inductive framework thematic analysis approach was used, assisted by NVivo (version 14.23.2; QSR International). Results: In total, 13 individuals living with a clinical diagnosis of MCI and 11 adults aged 65 years and older were interviewed. Our analysis identified five key themes: (1) gamification, (2) wearability, (3) user guidance, (4) burden of use, and (5) usefulness. Gamified apps were generally liked, although users with little experience of digital games needed time to adjust. Wearables resembling everyday accessories (eg, watches) were preferred, but complaints about tight or uncomfortable straps were frequently reported. Clear instructions were critical to support correct use, but many participants would have liked more troubleshooting support when technical issues arose. The use of 5 or more devices led to a high burden, especially when devices had practicality issues such as not being waterproof. Devices offering personal feedback were perceived as useful to satisfy personal interests, though some questioned their usefulness within health care. Participants raised concerns about losing valued personal interactions with health care professionals and questioned how their existing health conditions and treatment for such conditions may affect the validity of the data collected by the devices. Conclusions: These findings can guide researchers in choosing appropriate devices and minimizing burden. Future work should explore the views of those experiencing digital exclusion to ensure equitable access to dementia-detection technologies.