Smart speaker program to help manage chronic health for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Voice2Manage: Interactive Voice-Assisted Self-Management Intervention for Low-Income Older Adults
Run by Emory University · NCT06982261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a voice-activated smart speaker program can help low-income older adults with mild cognitive impairment manage their chronic health conditions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06982261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults age 55 or older living independently in subsidized housing or with a housing voucher, earning under $30,000 annually, with probable mild cognitive impairment (MoCA 18–23) and one or more chronic health conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed dementia, severe visual or hearing impairments that prevent interaction with the device, residents of nursing homes, non-English speakers, or those with medical conditions that prevent participation are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional program provides daily use of voice-activated smart speakers and hands-on training to support medication reminders, scheduling, and other self-care tasks. Participants are low-income adults aged 55 and older who live independently with probable mild cognitive impairment and one or more chronic conditions. Researchers will identify preferred smart speaker functions, document technology challenges, and track changes in self-management behaviors and daily functioning. The program is delivered through Emory University with setup assistance and ongoing coaching to overcome common usability barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve day-to-day self-management, medication adherence, and independence for low-income older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Small prior studies and pilot work suggest voice assistants can help with reminders and engagement, but evidence in low-income older adults with mild cognitive impairment is limited and adoption barriers have been documented.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persons 55 years of age and older, * Living in subsidized housing or with a housing voucher and having an annual income less than $30K, * One or more chronic conditions, * Having probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on the education-adjusted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score less than 24 and greater than or equal to 18, * Living alone independently, and * Able to speak and read English. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe visual/hearing impairment requiring assistance in participating in interactions with the smart speaker and integrated devices, * Self-reported diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, * Significant medical illness interfering with the study assessments and activities, * Inability to provide informed consent, and * Nursing home residents. * Eligibility will not be limited to smart speaker ownership.
Where it's running
-
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jane Chung, PhD, RN — Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Jane Chung, PhD, RN
- Email: Jane.chung@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-544-9589
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.