Researchers talked to doctors and people with early-stage dementia (along with their caregivers) to understand what they think about getting health care through video calls instead of in-person visits. The study found that people with memory problems and their caregivers like the idea of online exercise and nutrition programs, especially because it’s easier to access care from home. However, some people worried about using technology. Doctors agreed that online programs could help more people get the care they need. Overall, everyone thought a well-designed online program combining exercise and healthy eating could be a helpful way to slow down memory loss in older adults.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether older adults with early memory loss and their caregivers would be interested in getting exercise and nutrition help through video calls instead of visiting a doctor’s office in person.
- Who participated: The study included 20 people total: 10 doctors who treat memory problems and 10 pairs of patients with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. They all participated in one video interview.
- Key finding: Both the patients/caregivers and doctors strongly supported the idea of online exercise and nutrition programs. People liked that it would be easier to access care from home, though some worried about learning to use the technology.
- What it means for you: If you or a loved one has early memory loss, online programs combining exercise and healthy eating might become available soon and could help slow down cognitive decline. However, this is still in the early planning stages, and more research is needed before these programs are ready to use widely.
The Research Details
This was a formative study, which means it was designed to gather opinions and ideas before creating a full program. Researchers conducted one-on-one video interviews with two groups: 10 healthcare professionals who work with dementia patients and 10 pairs of people (someone with early memory loss and their caregiver). Each interview lasted about an hour and covered topics like the challenges people face with memory problems, barriers to getting care, their experience with video visits, and ideas for improving an online exercise and nutrition program. The researchers recorded and wrote down everything people said, then looked for common themes and patterns in the answers.
Before spending time and money developing a new health program, it’s important to ask the people who would actually use it what they think. This approach helps make sure the final program will be useful, easy to use, and address real problems that people face. By talking to both doctors and patients with their caregivers, researchers got a complete picture of what would work best.
This study is a good first step in developing a new program because it listens to real people’s experiences and needs. However, it’s a small study with only 20 people, so the findings may not apply to everyone. The study was done through interviews, which means people’s answers might be influenced by how they felt that day or how the interviewer asked questions. This is not yet proof that an online program would actually work—it just shows that people think it’s a good idea.
What the Results Show
People with early memory loss and their caregivers identified several important barriers to getting care, including difficulty traveling to appointments, limited time with doctors, and challenges managing their condition at home. When asked about online care delivered through video calls, most people said they would be interested, but only if it was combined with some in-person visits rather than completely replacing them. They showed strong enthusiasm for an exercise and nutrition program delivered online because it would make care more accessible and easier to fit into their daily lives. However, some participants expressed worry about whether they could learn to use the technology needed for video visits.
Healthcare providers agreed with the patients and caregivers that limited access to care and limited time during clinic visits were major problems for people with dementia. Doctors believed that a well-designed online program could help overcome these barriers and allow them to reach more patients. Both groups emphasized that the program would need to be carefully designed to be simple enough for people with memory problems to use. Participants also mentioned that having support from caregivers and clear instructions would be important for success.
This research builds on growing evidence that online health programs can help older adults manage chronic conditions. Previous studies have shown that video-based care can be effective for various health issues, but this is one of the first studies specifically exploring how to design online programs for people with early dementia. The finding that people want a mix of online and in-person care aligns with other research suggesting that hybrid approaches (combining both types of visits) may work better than completely replacing in-person care.
This study is small with only 20 participants, so the results may not represent all older adults with memory loss. The study only gathered opinions—it didn’t actually test whether an online program would work or help slow memory loss. People who agreed to participate in interviews might have different views than those who didn’t volunteer. The study was done during a specific time period and in a specific location, so results might differ in other places or times. Most importantly, this study shows what people think is possible, not what actually works.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, it appears promising to develop online exercise and nutrition programs for people with early memory loss, but only if they are carefully designed to be simple and combined with some in-person visits. Healthcare providers should consider offering hybrid programs (mixing online and in-person care) rather than switching completely to online. Confidence level: Low to Moderate. This is early-stage research that shows promise but needs more testing before making major changes to how care is delivered.
This research is most relevant to older adults with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment, their caregivers, and healthcare providers who work with this population. It may also interest people developing new health technology programs. People with advanced dementia or those without access to internet or video technology should wait for more research before considering these programs.
This is still in the planning stage. Researchers will use these findings to design an actual online program, which will then need to be tested to see if it really helps slow memory loss. This process typically takes 2-5 years before a program would be widely available. Don’t expect to see these programs available immediately, but they may become an option within the next few years.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly participation in exercise sessions and meals containing key nutrients (like omega-3s and antioxidants) that support brain health. Users could log: minutes of exercise completed, number of brain-healthy meals eaten, and any technology challenges encountered.
- Start with one simple action: commit to one 15-minute exercise session per week delivered through the app, combined with one meal plan suggestion. Gradually increase frequency as comfort with the technology grows. Have a caregiver check in weekly to provide support and troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Use the app to track consistency with the program over 8-12 weeks. Monitor both engagement (how often the person uses the app) and adherence (how many exercises and meals they complete). Include monthly check-ins with a healthcare provider through the app to discuss progress and adjust the program as needed. Track any changes in memory-related symptoms or daily functioning reported by the user or caregiver.
This research describes what people think about online health programs for memory loss—it does not prove that such programs actually work to slow cognitive decline. This study involved only 20 people and gathered opinions through interviews, not actual test results. Anyone with memory loss or concerns about cognitive decline should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a doctor before making significant changes to your health routine, especially if you have dementia or other medical conditions.