JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technology use for dementia prevention and care is an area of huge development with different experiences among countries. Nevertheless, final users’ propensity and capability to e-health solutions are rarely evaluated. Novel digital solutions often lack a patient-oriented perspective, and relevant barriers prevent their use in clinics.

Objective:

This systematic review aims to investigate current literature on familiarity with digital technology and on the use of digital tools in Alzheimer’s disease patients and caregivers.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted. Only papers reporting quantitative and/or qualitative assessments were considered.

Results:

From 597 initial records, only 18 papers were considered eligible. In detail, 8 studies investigated patients’ knowledge, familiarity or competence with digital technology, while 10 studies explored the use, acceptability or usability of specific e-health solutions, showing wide acceptability by patients and caregivers. However, age, education and socio-economic status strongly impacted in the relationship. Some key barriers emerged, such as the need for individualized training programs and a timely introduction of the solution along the disease course.

Conclusions:

Our data proves a huge mismatch between the flourishing of digital literature in Alzheimer’s disease and the poor attention to real-life implementation of digital solutions. Early identifying the set of barriers and facilitators that may influence acceptability and adherence to e-health technology in specific digital scenarios is to recommend for the benefit of the patients-caregiver dyad and a more effective use and implementation of new technologies in clinics.