Technology that CARES: Enhancing dementia care through everyday technologies

Abstract

Abstract“Everyday technologies” have long been suggested as digital tools to improve life for and enhance care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Within this realm, there is a need to balance potential drawbacks of technologies with their ability to positively impact patient and care partner centered outcomes. To facilitate this goal, we endeavored to provide a common language and conceptual structure to understand digital technology use in ADRD care. Specifically, we describe the pathways by which researchers might develop and deploy technology, including via Cognitive offloading, Automation, Remote monitoring, Emotional/social support, and Symptom treatment (CARES). In addition, we highlight emerging issues in technology‐based care research and provide relevant caveats regarding application of digital technologies in the real world. This discussion provides a framework to organize science on the application of technologies to ADRD care in the future.Highlights “Everyday technologies” have long been suggested as digital tools to improve life for and enhance care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the potential benefits of digital technologies must be balanced against their possible drawbacks. We describe the pathways by which researchers might develop and deploy technology that CARES, including via Cognitive offloading, Automation, Remote monitoring, Emotional/social support, and Symptom treatment. This discussion provides a framework to organize science on the application of digital technologies to ADRD care in the future.