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 on communication capabilities can result in difficulties in social interactions and between people with dementia and their conversation partner, as initiating and maintaining conversations becomes increasingly challenging. The role of technology in promoting social health and participation for people with dementia is increasing, but the usage on technological devices as a third party in social interactions to enhance 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 enhance communication and facilitate positive social interactions. Methods A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO, where titles and abstracts were screened by two researchers independently. The reference lists of initially identified papers were hand-searched for further relevant studies. Quality appraisal of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.Results Twenty-six papers were included., where the most common technologies to facilitate communication and interactions were tablet-computers (n=11), social robots (n=7) and PCs (n=4). By analyzing the impacts of the device(s) on social interaction and communication, five major themes emerged: i) increased interaction; ii) better understanding of the person with dementia; iii) improved conversational quality; iv) reducing pressure on the conversation partner; and v) a conversational platform.Conclusion While the majority of the included studies are small-scale, they indicate promising findings on the potential of technology in helping dyads to interact in a way that relieves strain on the caregiver, enhances the relationship and engages people with dementia in social activities. Rigorous investigation using standard, comparable measurements is needed to demonstrate the effects of technological solutions, taking on the perspective on caregiving dyads as an entity rather than looking at outcomes for one member of the dyad in isolation.

Psychodrama with persons with dementia on zoom: Proof of concept

“…In this paper, we present the use of Zoom technology with persons with dementia (Brown, et al, 2020; see also Cuffaro, et al, 2020) focusing specifically on the meaning of “home” since this is the place where persons with dementia and their carers spend most of their time. Though research samples are small, studies have shown that virtual communities provide opportunities for social interaction and activities, for feelings of being a valuable and contributing member of society, for engendering a sense of identity, for giving and receiving support, and for relieving strain on the caregiver (Birt, et al, 2020; Hoel, et al, 2021; Pinto-Bruno, 2016; Samtani, et al, 2021; Talbot, et al, 2021; Martin Van Jaarsveld, 2020). For the purposes of this article, the group psychodrama Zoom session’s theme of “Home” illuminates different yet similar experiences of how individuals define home.…”

A Pilot Study of Remote Use of a Life Storybook Intervention Involving Family Members of Persons with Dementia

“…One of the proven longer-term benefits of cognitive stimulation therapy is its positive impact on QOL and caring relationships [15]. There is increasing awareness of the role of relationships in dementia triads [16] (person with dementia, professional carer(s) and family member(s)) and triads and their importance in improving quality and effectiveness of care as well as preserving QOL for all its members. Our study illustrates one example of an intervention conducted using the triad structure that showed benefits to the person with dementia and the care giver and suggests that further remote involvement of family members might lead to potentially useful benefits for the dementia care triad.…”

“…Furthermore, the demonstration of the potential effectiveness of a remote cognitive stimulation intervention suggests that it may help overcome difficulties to provide rehabilitation interventions due to access restrictions imposed by Covid19 restrictions as well as inaccessibility resulting from uneven distribution of health and care resources, particularly in rural areas. The use of technology both to promote relationships between people with dementia [16] and support dementia care triads [17] are current areas of active investigation and it can be anticipated that the use of technology could play an important role to address accessibility issues in the future. However, this study is only preliminary and further studies are needed to confirm the potential of this approach.…”