Efficacy of Gamification in Enhancing User Engagement

Efficacy of Gamification in Enhancing User Engagement in Visual Mapping Assistive Technology

As part of Phase II of the NIH SBIR grant, the study will conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial in which the MapHabit system's gamification is investigated to determine whether the assistive technology facilitates user engagement and retention. Additionally, the study will examine if the gamified software improves the quality of life of persons with dementia and reduce the burden of the respective care partners. Participants will be individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias in mild to moderate stage of cognitive impairment, accompanied by their respective primary care partner (i.e., primary familial caregiver). The study will be a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which two conditions will be investigated: 1) experimental condition in which MHS+Gamification is implemented into the daily care received by participants 2) control condition in which the MHS alone and separate engagement material is incorporated into the participant's daily care. Sample size goal will strive for a total of 40 individual-caregiver dyads, 20 in each condition. The study duration will be a 6-month intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementia (ADRD) in their mild to moderate stage of impairment
• Participating caregiver of individual with dementia must be the primary caregiver
• Proficient in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individual not diagnosed with ADRD
• Participating caregiver of individual with dementia is NOT the primary caregiver
• Not proficient in English