Information and Communication Technology Use in Community-Dwelling Persons Living with Dementia

Although many persons living with dementia still remain living in the community, they encounter many difficulties due to cognitive and physical impairment. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could be helpful to protect persons living with dementia from risky events and monitor changes in physical function. This study aimed to review studies regarding ICT usage to monitor physical activity and safety in community-dwelling persons living with dementia. We searched quantitative studies that utilized ICT to monitor physical activity and safety published from 2011 to 2020 through five databases; 24 studies were included in the systematic review. Most studies (79%) were observational studies and conducted in North America or Europe (75%). In terms of ICT usage, the most frequently used type was a wearable device (96%); data such as physical activity, gait, and circadian rhythms were gathered. The ICT data were utilized for: 1) comparing ICT data within dementia group or with normal cognition group; 2) exploring a relationship with other variables in observational studies; 3) measuring an outcome of the experimental studies; and 4) determining feasibility of a sensor itself. Less than half of the studies met all five criteria in quality assessment. We found the ICT is being used in various ways in research for community-dwelling persons living with dementia. However, we are uncertain about the effectiveness of ICT use and the quality of studies. Future studies with rigorous study design are needed to provide better evidence for ICT use in persons living with dementia.