A mobile app (mWITH ME) for family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease: development and initial evaluation

Abstract Background The rising global aging population has increased the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a condition with limited treatment options, making non-pharmacological interventions essential. While mobile health apps are increasingly common, there is currently a lack of theory-based, user-centered research to support the development of mobile health apps for family caregivers of persons living with AD. Objective This study aimed to design a theory-based and user-centered mobile application that supports family caregivers by leveraging non-pharmacological interventions to aid in the management and potential slowing of AD progression, with the ultimate goals of improving care quality and reducing their burden. Methods The study employed a three-phase methodology: (1) Establishing a theoretical framework based on Narrative Evidence-Based Medicine and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; (2) Conducting semi-structured interviews with target users (n = 18), with transcripts analyzed thematically to inform the app’s development by an interdisciplinary team; (3) Performing a preliminary evaluation with participants (n = 20) who used the app for three weeks, after which a questionnaire assessed its short-term impact and user-friendliness. Results Thematic analysis yielded five key themes: Content, Platform, Functionality, Interactivity, and Interface. The mWITH ME app consists of four modules: educational support, professional support, peer support, and health monitoring. In the preliminary evaluation, 75% (n = 15) of participants reported that using the app reduced their daily caregiving burden, 80% (n = 16) expressed satisfaction with the application, and 70% (n = 14) acknowledged its role in improving care quality. The modules for Educational, Professional, and Peer Support received particularly positive feedback, which aligns with the app’s underlying theoretical framework of Narrative Evidence-Based Medicine and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Nonetheless, the Health Monitoring module was identified as requiring further enhancements to better meet user expectations. Conclusions The mWITH ME app demonstrates feasibility in supporting family caregivers by addressing their professional, educational, and emotional needs. Future work should focus on developing features for mood and fatigue monitoring, while long-term studies are needed to evaluate its integration into standard care pathways and its potential to improve the quality of life for both the caregivers and persons living with AD.