STREAM (Supportive Technology to Reinforce Everyday Activities and Memory)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usability and usefulness of a software system designed to provide cognitive and social support for older adults with cognitive impairment. The system was intended to support everyday functioning, including the completion of everyday activities and prospective memory tasks such as remembering appointments. It was delivered on a tablet and functioned as a cognitive aid system that participants used and evaluated over the course of the study. The study population consisted of adults age 60 and older with early cognitive impairment due to mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or post-stroke cognitive impairment. For the Weill Cornell Medicine site, 30 participants were recruited. Study procedures included a baseline assessment, training on the system, six weeks of system use, and a final post-assessment. Participants completed individual training and were provided with a tablet containing the system, along with internet access if needed. They then used the system during a six-week field period so that the research team could evaluate how well it supported daily functioning and memory-related needs in real-world use. Measures included baseline assessments of demographics, technology proficiency and technology experience, loneliness, quality of life, and memory. At the end of the six-week period, participants completed post-assessment measures focused on the usefulness and usability of the system.