But Will They Use It? Predictors of Adoption of an Electronic Memory Aid in Individuals With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective: Electronic memory aids are being researched and developed widely to assist the everyday functioning of individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Although development studies show promise in the initial use of electronic memory aids, little is known about the factors that influence adoption of these aids after training ends. Method: We analyzed the baseline characteristics (e.g., demographics, cognitive performance) and training usage (e.g., frequency and pattern of use) of 32 older adults experiencing amnestic mild cognitive impairment who participated in a pilot clinical trial with an electronic memory and management aid (EMMA) tablet application. Sixteen participants who were still using EMMA at 3-months posttraining were defined as "adopters, " whereas the 16 participants who were not using EMMA at 3-months posttraining were defined as "nonadopters. " Results: Adopters scored higher on baseline delayed memory (Cohen's d = .87) and language (Cohen's d = .82) index scores than nonadopters. Adopters also interacted with EMMA more frequently (Cohen's d = 1.34) and in greater quantities (Cohen's d > .87) than nonadopters by Week 2 of training. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that higher baseline language score and increased frequency of use during training significantly predicted classification of adopters at 3-months posttraining. Conclusions: Adoption of this electronic memory aid was enhanced by teaching the aid to individuals who demonstrated average-level language abilities and who used the aid on average eight times per day during training. Encouraging individuals to use the aid early and often during training can increase adoption of electronic memory aids.