Self-Cueing Study

What is this Study about?

The Self-Cueing Study aims to understand how people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment use strategies, or “self-cues,” while completing everyday activities. Researchers aim to identify when these strategies are successful, why they may be unsuccessful, and where additional support could be helpful. Participants will complete three tasks: making a hot drink, folding laundry, and making a bed. Information collected during these tasks, including video and audio recordings, will help us understand how people cue themselves through different activities. This will allow us to develop self-cueing supports to help people with dementia and MCI maintain independence during everyday activities.

What Will Happen in This Study?

Participants will complete a brief cognitive screening test over the phone, a demographic survey, and two questionnaires about quality of life. They will then take part in two study sessions, one in their home and one at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. During the sessions, participants will complete three everyday activities: making a hot drink, folding laundry, and making a bed, while describing what they are thinking and doing. Video, audio, and eye-tracking recordings will be collected. Each study session will take about 1–1.5 hours, for a total of 2–3 hours of participation.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

  • Are 60–85 years of age.
  • Complete a brief memory test to assess cognitive abilities (thinking and memory).
  • Agree to be recorded by video and audio as part of the study.
  • Speak English.

Legal Disclaimer

Any materials or links provided herein are strictly for informational purposes only. The Alzheimer Society of Canada does not endorse nor recommend any of the manufacturers, products or institutions mentioned in any of these links or listings as suitable or appropriate for your particular situation or circumstances and disclaims any liability with respect to representations, warranties, including fitness for an intended particular use or purpose, and all other claims relating thereto, all of which remain strictly with the manufacturer or institution.

In no event shall the Alzheimer Society of Canada or any third parties mentioned on the website be liable for any damage (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages for personal injury/wrongful death, lost profits or damages resulting from lost data or business interruption) or personal injury (including death) resulting from the use, misuse or inability to use any activity, product or service mentioned herein, whether based in warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory.

Everyone considering participating in any activity is encouraged to speak with their own doctor or health-care team before participating in any activity that may impact their health or well-being.