A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON APP-BASED INTERVENTIONS RELATED TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE OR DEMENTIA

Abstract

Hundreds of smartphone applications are available to support people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (AD/dementia) and their caregivers. Smartphone applications may provide a unique and effective means of administering interventions. The purpose of this study was to systematically search and describe the literature on mobile apps used in interventions on AD/dementia and to evaluate the potential of apps to be implemented in AD/dementia interventions. A systematic review was conducted in April 2016 using a set of predetermined search terms in several scientific journal databases. Only English articles pertaining to interventions using smartphone apps were included in the final sample. App functions, target user groups, country, app platform and study design were coded for each study in the final sample. A final sample of 11 studies identified for this review were primarily feasibility and pilot studies with small sample sizes. Studies were mostly conducted in Europe, with Android being the preferred platform. Functions of the mobile apps mainly focused on occupational therapy to support people with AD/dementia, and cognitive assessment to allow early screening of cognitive impairment. Findings of the review provide support for the use of app-based interventions on AD/dementia. The lack of large sample studies with rigorous research design using mobile phone apps may signal a need for additional studies on the potential use of mobile apps to assist individuals with mild or moderate AD/dementia, their family caregivers and health professionals. Additional concerns include the reliability and validity of cognitive assessment tool administered by mobile apps.