The use of technology in creating individualized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia: A systematic review

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using technology to provide meaningful activities for people living with dementia. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and explore the different types of digital technologies used in creating individualized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia. From 1414 articles identified from searches in four databases, 29 articles were included in the review. The inclusion criteria were the study used digital technology to deliver an individually tailored activity to participants with dementia, the process of individualization was described, and findings relating to the mental, physical, social, and/or emotional well-being of the participant were reported. Data extracted from the included studies included participant demographics, aims, methods, and outcomes. The following information on the technology was also extracted: purpose, type, training, facilitation, and the individualization process. A narrative synthesis of the results grouped the various technologies into four main purposes: reminiscence/memory support, behavior management, stimulating engagement, and conversation/communication support. A broad range of technologies were studied, with varying methods of evaluation implemented to assess their effect. Overall, the use of technology in creating individualized, meaningful activities seems to be promising in terms of improving behavior and promoting relationships with others. Furthermore, most studies in this review involved the person with dementia in the individualization process of the technology, indicating that research in this area is adopting a more co-creative and inclusive approach. However, sample sizes of the included studies were small, and there was a lack of standardized outcome measures. Future studies should aim to build a more concrete evidence base by improving the methodological quality of research in this area. Findings from the review indicate that there is also a need for more evidence concerning the feasibility of implementing these technologies into care environments.

Psychodrama with persons with dementia on zoom: Proof of concept

“…Therefore, notwithstanding their diagnosis with dementia, emotive capacities appeared to stimulate significant cognitive abilities in working memory. Despite the generally held belief that technology is challenging for this population, our findings demonstrate that with appropriate guidance and minimal training for families and paid carers, persons with dementia will engage with the technology in a variety of ways (Dahlke, et al, 2020;Gilson, et al, 2019;Goodall, et al, 2021;Shu, et al, 2021;Talbot, et al, 2021;Martin Van Jaarsveld, 2020). The combination of psychodrama, culturally sensitive reminiscence therapy, and an established community enhanced their social cohesion, social connectivity, and remaining emotive capacities in the face of dementia.…”

Care home practitioners’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators for using off-the-shelf gaming technology with people with dementia

“…iPad) that support interactive electronic games for the primary purposes of providing entertainment. Scholars have highlighted how these devices are being incorporated into dementia care practice as a means to provide activities that are stimulating and enjoyable, and have also noted other benefits for people’s well-being ( Bowes et al, 2018 ; Dove and Astell, 2017 ; Goodall, Taraldsen and Serrano, 2021 ; Joddrell and Astell, 2016 ). Specific positive outcomes for people with dementia (evidence to date relates mostly, but not exclusively to community-dwelling people), include opportunities for: promoting cognitive stimulation, mild physical exercise and social interaction; continuing life-long learning; mastering new and sometimes complex skills; and (re)engaging with meaningful and enjoyable activities that can foster self-confidence by challenging people’s perceptions of their own capabilities ( Cutler, Hicks and Innes, 2016 ; Hicks, Innes and Nyman, 2020 ; Sweeney, Clarke and Wolverson, 2021 ).…”

Towards personalized dementia care through meaningful activities supported by technology: A multisite qualitative study with care professionals

“…Using these kinds of multimedia tools to explore the narratives of people with dementia can promote well-being and social engagement amongst people with dementia, families, and care staff [27]. Furthermore, a recent literature review on the use of technology in creating individualized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia suggests that digital technologies can be promising in terms of improving well-being and promoting relationships with others [28]. However, findings from the review also suggest that further work is needed on how to implement technologies into care environments.…”