RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Effects of Personalized Digital Reminiscence Therapy on Patients With Neurocognitive Disorders

This study is exploring whether a new app, which uses personalised digital prompts to recall old memories, can help people with early memory issues. The app is like a friendly digital helper that guides users through these memory sessions daily. Researchers want to see if using this app for about 10-15 minutes a day can improve how people feel, particularly with issues like low mood, lack of motivation, and poor sleep. They also want to understand if the app can boost a person's overall quality of life and engagement. Another key part of the study is to find out if simple reminders within the app are enough to encourage people to use it regularly without needing much outside help.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

KompanionCare SAS

Enrolment target

Start

14 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Neurocognitive Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Mild Depression Mild Apathy Apathy in Dementia

What is this study about?

This research project is investigating a new way to help people who are starting to experience memory problems, sometimes called mild cognitive impairment or early-stage neurocognitive disorders. It uses a special app that helps people think back to happy memories, like family holidays or important life events. This process is called 'reminiscence therapy' and it’s delivered digitally, meaning you'd use it on a tablet or smartphone. Researchers believe that bringing up these positive memories could help improve various aspects of a person's well-being.

The main aim is to see if using this memory app daily can make a difference to symptoms like feeling low (depression) or lacking motivation (apathy). The study also looks at whether it can improve sleep quality, overall quality of life, and how much people enjoy using the app itself. Importantly, the researchers want to find out if the app can be used easily and consistently by people, just with little nudges or reminders from the app, rather than needing constant help from others.

Ultimately, this study hopes to understand if this personalised digital approach could be a useful and practical tool for helping people manage some of the emotional and practical challenges that come with early memory changes, potentially improving their day-to-day lives.

Key takeaways

Study explores a new app using personal memories for early memory problems.
Aims to improve mood, motivation, sleep, and quality of life.
Requires daily use of an Apple app for 10-15 minutes over 25 days.
Needs a family member to help personalise the app with memories.
Participants will complete short questionnaires about their well-being.
Focuses on people aged 60+ with mild memory issues and some low mood/apathy.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men and women aged 60 or older who are experiencing early-stage memory problems. This includes conditions like mild cognitive impairment or the early stages of major neurocognitive disorders. You would also need to have some mild or moderate feelings of low mood or lack of motivation. You should be able to interact with a digital device fairly well.

To be considered, you'd need a score of between 21 and 28 on a common memory test called the Mini-Mental State Exam. You also need to have access to an Apple iPhone or iPad that runs on a recent version of its software, and it needs to be connected to the internet. Crucially, you'd need a close friend or family member who is willing to help by sharing family memories to personalise the app.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes individuals with more severe memory problems (a memory test score of 20 or lower), or those with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression. If you have significant hearing or vision problems, a history of learning difficulties, or are under legal guardianship, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you've recently started new medication for memory conditions in the last three months, or have already used this specific 'Lilia' app, you wouldn't be eligible.

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 60 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with mild memory problems or early dementia?
Do you sometimes feel low in mood or lack motivation?
Do you have a score between 21 and 28 on a memory test called the MMSE?
Do you (or could you get) an Apple iPhone or iPad with internet access?
Is there a close family member or friend willing to help with your memories?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would use the special memory app every day for about 25 days. Each session on the app would last around 10-15 minutes. A main caregiver, like a family member, would help to set up the app by adding your personal family memories, and other relatives can also contribute to this in a private group if they wish. Throughout the study, you'll be asked to fill out short questionnaires. These might happen at the beginning of the study and during your regular check-up appointments. These questionnaires will help the researchers understand how you're feeling, including your mood, motivation, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. There is no new medication involved in this study. You are free to stop participating at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer some benefits, such as improvements in your mood, motivation, sleep, and overall quality of life, by engaging with personal memories through the app. It's also an opportunity to contribute to research that might help others with similar conditions in the future. As for risks, using a digital app is generally safe, and the questionnaires are designed to be brief. There might be a small amount of time commitment required for the daily app use and questionnaires. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (5)

CHU Angers, Service médecine gériatrique.
Verified postcode
Angers, France· Recruiting
Limoges University Hospital Center - Dupuytren Hospital], Geriatric medicine department
Verified postcode
Limoges, France· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Institut Claude Pompidou, Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherches (CM2R)
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting
APHP Hôpitaux universitaires Paris centre.
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Not yet recruiting
CHU DE TOURS, Pôle Vieillissement, Hôpital Bretonneau.
Verified postcode
Tours, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of memories will I use in the app?

The app will be personalised with your own family memories, photos, and stories, contributed by a close friend or family member.

How long do I need to use the app each day?

You'll be asked to use the app for about 10-15 minutes a day.

Do I need my own iPad or iPhone for the study?

Yes, you need to have an Apple device (iPhone or iPad) with internet access, or one might be provided by the study.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

You can stop using the app and withdraw from the study at any time without needing a reason.

Will I get paid to take part?

The information provided does not specify any payment for participation.

How to find out more

Peter MARKUS

peter@kompanioncare.com +36303621811 Official trial record

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