Technology-driven solutions to prompt conversation, aid communication and support interaction for people with dementia and their caregivers: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Background The impact of dementia for communication skills can result in difficulties in social interactions between people with dementia and their conversation partner, as initiating and maintaining conversations becomes increasingly challenging. The role of technology in enhancing social health and participation for people with dementia is increasing, but the use of technological devices to support social interactions and aid communication quality is still in its infancy. The objective of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive description of technology-driven interventions for people with dementia and their conversation partners to prompt communication and facilitate positive social interactions. Methods A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO, with titles and abstracts independently screened by two researchers. Quality appraisal of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results Of the 18 papers included, the technology most commonly used to facilitate communication and interactions was tablet-computers (n = 7), social robots (n = 5) and computers systems (n = 4). By analyzing the impact of the device(s) for social interaction and communication, four major themes emerged: i) breaking the ice; ii) increased interaction; iii) better understanding of the person with dementia; and iv) reduced pressure for the conversation partner. Conclusion While the majority of the included studies are small-scale, they indicate promising findings for the potential of technology to promote interaction in a way that relieves strain on the caregiver, enhances relationships and engages people with dementia in social activities. Rigorous investigation using standard, comparable measurements is needed to demonstrate the effects of technological solutions, as well as to explore and address barriers and potential adverse outcomes.

State-of-the-Art Sensors for Remote Care of People with Dementia during a Pandemic: A Systematic Review

“…help PLWD socialize with family and friends, thereby imparting positive emotions and reducing anxiety and agitations [ 72 , 73 ]. Furthermore, one of the recent review works has presented the existing technical solutions to aid communication skills for the people with dementia [ 100 ]. The review work pointed out that the PLWD lack communication skills, which hinder their social interactions.…”

“…Hence, more research is required in this area. There are certain devices that can aid the PLWD having language impairment, through social interactions and human computer interactions [ 100 , 103 ]; however, such devices need more systematic trials and user testing at this stage.…”

Known in the nursing home: development and evaluation of a digital person-centered artistic photo-activity intervention to promote social interaction between residents with dementia, and their formal and informal carers

“…An app may also have the potential for further customization of the intervention, thus making it more person-centered. This study also has the potential to address the gap identified by Hoel et al [ 42 ] in a systematic literature review that found a lack of good quality research in the use of technological devices to support communication and meaningful social interactions between PWD and their (in)formal carers. According to the review, tablet computers that ran apps designed for reminiscence activities for PWD were the most common device used to facilitate communication between PWD and their (in)formal carer.…”

“…According to the review, tablet computers that ran apps designed for reminiscence activities for PWD were the most common device used to facilitate communication between PWD and their (in)formal carer. Hoel et al noted that most of the studies that were included in the review did not mention frequencies and duration of the interventions, and only two out of the seven studies that used a tablet computer included a control condition [ 42 – 44 ]. In addition, among studies in the review that used tablet computers in a nursing home [ 45 – 47 ], most of it involved a small number of residents with dementia [ 45 , 46 ].…”

“…Due to the COVID-19 pandemic nursing homes in the Netherlands and around the world have been forced to either lock-down or to restrict visits from friends and family, which is having a negative impact on the health and well-being of its residents [ 50 , 51 ]. It is therefore important to not only include as much meaningful interactions as possible, that can address social isolation and loneliness [ 51 ], and can improve mood and quality of life [ 52 ], but also to harness the potential of technology in enhancing the quality of social interactions between the person with dementia and their (in)formal carers [ 42 ].…”