JAMA Netw Open

Smart speaker intervention improves mental health, diabetes control in older adults

January 26, 2026

In the open-label IVAM‑ED randomized trial (NCT05329376), 112 adults aged ≥65 years with T2DM were assigned to 12 weeks of home use of a voice-enabled interactive virtual assistant programmed with a behavioral intervention model or to usual care. At 12 weeks, patients using the smart speaker had significantly lower mental distress scores than controls (adjusted mean difference, −1.46 on a 0–20 scale; P=0.02). The intervention also improved quality of life, adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors, and glycemic control, with no device-related adverse events.

Clinical takeaway: A low-burden, easily deployed smart speaker intervention may be a practical adjunct to routine care to support mental well-being, self-management, and glycemic control in older adults with T2DM.

Source:

Matzenbacher LS, et al. (2026, January 23). JAMA Netw Open. Interactive Virtual Assistant for Health Promotion Among Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The IVAM-ED Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41575748/