Supporting Behavioral and Psychological Challenges in Alzheimer Using Technology: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

The aging of the population is associated with an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Our research aim was to determine how technology can help to improve the support for behavioral and psychological challenges of dementia. A systematic review of the literature was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria and reporting technological devices aimed to the management of these challenges. After screening 1085 papers, 18 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Technologies identified in this search (e.g., robots, mobile, apps, computer, software, GPS, wearables, assistive technology) suggest that this non-pharmacological approach may be useful in projects aimed to the management and control of behavioral and psychological manifestations in people living with Alzheimer. The manifestations that are most successfully supported by means of technological applications and devices are depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, apathy, motor activity, and agitation.

KEYWORDS:

• Alzheimer
• behavioral symptoms
• psychological symptoms
• non-pharmacological treatment
• technology
• dementia
• systematic review

Acknowledgments

We thank Alexandra E. Marin for helping in English editing of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).