JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Digital health technologies have the potential to revolutionize the screening, diagnostic support, monitoring and intervention of early cognitive change. However, the full spectrum of their application and the existing evidence base in this specific patient population have not been systematically delineated.

Objective:

Objective:

To review and synthesize digital health technologies' applications, roles, and challenges in patients with early cognitive changes.

Methods:

Methods:

This scoping review followed the enhanced Arksey & O'Malley Framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) was conducted from their inception until May 31, 2024. Studies were selected and data were extracted using the Population-Concept-Context framework, focusing on digital health interventions for patients with early cognitive changes.

Results:

Results:

A total of 163 articles were included in this review, revealing a notable increase in the use of digital health technologies for patients with early cognitive changes since 2020. Of the studies, 162 focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment(95.1%), 10 on Subjective Cognitive Decline (6.1%), and 7 examined caregiver support (4.3%). The technologies were categorized into six groups: Smartphone/Computer Application, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence/Big Data, Robotics, the Internet of Things, and Telemedicine. The clinical outcomes demonstrated statistically significant improvements in cognitive performance, and patient-reported outcomes including overall well-being, quality of life and social engagement. But digital health technologies also present implementation challenges, such as Virtual Reality induced vestibular symptoms, connectivity issues in telemedicine, and unintended negative consequences.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: This review affirms the efficacy of digital health technologies (DHTs) in screening, diagnosing, intervening in, and monitoring early cognitive changes. However, challenges such as cost, technical complexity, and user engagement currently impede broader adoption. In conclusion, while DHTs demonstrably enhance healthcare professional efficiency in managing early cognitive impairment—by facilitating clinical decision-making, optimizing patient management, and enabling personalized care—overcoming existing implementation barriers remains critical. Furthermore, rigorous assessment of their long-term effects through future research is essential. Collectively, these findings underscore the substantial potential of DHTs to transform cognitive health management and patient care, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to optimize these solutions. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration: No Trial Registration.