Electronic assistive self care technologies for dementia (AssiSTeD): A systematic review of assistive technologies

Background:

Dementia is characterised by widespread and progressive impairment of mental function including cognitive (e.g. memory loss), behaviour (e.g. agitation) and physical changes (e.g. declined mobility). There are an estimated 700,000 people with dementia in the UK. Electronic assistive technologies are continuously developed to help people with dementia to live independently for longer and to support their non professional carers.

Aims:

To describe and determine the impact of electronic assistive technology interventions on the self care of people with dementia and their carers.

Methods:

Databases included MEDLINE, AARP Ageline, AMED, BNI & Archive, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Social care online, SSCI, Cochrane, DARE, ASSIA, HTA, NHS EED, HMIC. Eligible were all empirical studies (quantitative or qualitative) featuring electronic assistive technology with a focus on enhancing dementia self care (1950-2008).

Findings:

The review included 120 studies. Electronic assistive technologies and devices targeted the following aspects of dementia care: information and support, safety and security, communication, and social communication and reminiscence. Self-care was rarely measured as a specific variable, however several outcomes related to self-care included independent living, activities of daily living, memory and cognitive function, management of behavioural symptoms and carer coping, stress, knowledge and decision making. Many technologies are ‘carer-centric' with little involvement of people with dementia in their design.

Discussion:

Future development should involve people with dementia to a greater extent in the development of personally relevant and appropriate technologies. Robust effectiveness and cost benefit studies are needed.