Remy Care
Dr. David Marra
Clinical Neuropsychologist | Assistant Professor | Co-Founder
David Marra is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with clinical and research expertise in the areas of cognitive aging as well as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. David graduated with his PhD from Marquette University and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Florida. As a scientist-practitioner, he works with patients and conducts research. He has authored or co-authored 22 scientific papers, received two NIH-supported grants, and has presented his research at national and international conferences.
David’s research includes: early identification of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease; and ways to slow or prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
How RemyCare Works
RemyCare is based on the principles of cognitive rehabilitation, behaviorism, and the most up-to-date research on ways to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation is the process of developing strategies to help compensate for cognitive difficulties. Even persons with early or moderate Alzheimer’s disease can form new habits through a process called procedural memory, which is not as affected by Alzheimer’s disease. RemyCare uses the well-established principles of calendar training found in many research-supported cognitive rehabilitation treatment protocols. Through calendar training, patients learn to effectively use a daily calendar and a to-do list so they can keep themselves oriented, organized, and reduce burden on caregivers.
However, the development of this new habit often requires oversight and frequent reminders from family members. This can be burdensome for family and particularly challenging if a family member lives afar. Through the use of push notifications, RemyCare can alleviate the burden of family members by sending reminders directly to the user to help form this new habit and help keep them on track with their appointments and daily to-dos. With a paid subscription, RemyCare also has a companion feature that allows family members and caretakers to view and add to the user’s calendar and to-do list. RemyCare is the first and only app on the market designed with the principles of cognitive rehabilitation for calendar-based training.
Behaviorism
RemyCare uses the principles of behaviorism to increase user engagement with healthy brain behaviors. Through a process of positive reinforcement in a digital medium, called gamification, RemyCare turns using the app into a fun and engaging experience. Users can earn points and badges for their regular use of the app. With enough points, users can earn discounts on their monthly subscription cost. RemyCare is the only app where the more you use it, the cheaper it costs!
Slowing Cognitive Decline
The Lancet Commission recently released an updated report on modifiable risk factors for dementia. That is, risk factors that if changed or controlled, could slow cognitive decline or prevent dementia. RemyCare focuses on four specific areas: (1) exercise; (2) cognitive engagement; (3) socialization; and (4) mindful meditation. Through gamification and reminders, RemyCare aims to increase engagement in these activities and hopefully slow cognitive decline.
Selected Publications
- Marra, D. (2016). Video game interventions to improve cognition in older adults. Marquette University.
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Smith, G., Miller, A., Marra, D. E., Wu, Y., Bian, J., Maraganore, D., & Anton, S. (2023). Evaluation of a Computable Phenotype for Successful Cognitive Aging. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. 7(4), 212-221.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.04.006 -
Smith, G. E., Miller, A. H., Marra, D. E., Wu, Y., Bian, J., Maraganore, D. M., & Anton, S. (2023). Validation of a Computable Phenotype for Successful Cognitive Aging. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 19, e074179.
https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.074179 -
Li, Q., Yang, X., Xu, J., Guo, Y., He, X., Hu, H., Lyu, T., Marra, D. E., Miller, A., Smith, G., Maraganore, D., Shenkman, E., Wu, Y., & Bian, J. (2023). Early Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Using Real-World Electronic Health Records. Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12967 -
Merritt, V. C., Zhang, R., Sherva, R., Ly, M. T., Marra, D. E., Panizzon, M. S., ... & Logue, M. W. (2025). Curation and validation of electronic medical record-based dementia diagnoses in the VA Million Veteran Program. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 103(1), 180-193.
https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877241299130 - Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Liu, K. Y., Costafreda, S. G., Selbæk, G., Alladi, S., ... & Mukadam, N. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572-628.