Abstract
BackgroundAlzheimer disease and related dementias (AD/RD) are progressive neurocognitive disorders that currently affect approximately 50 million people worldwide. Mobile phone apps have been well-integrated into daily lives and can be used to deliver and promote health care. There is an increase in the use of technology to provide care and support to AD/RD patients and their families.ObjectiveThis study aimed to review apps designed for AD/RD patients and analyze the benefits of, and challenges to, such technological solutions.MethodsA systematic approach was applied to review the availability, content, features, and quality of mobile phone apps to support self-care among AD/RD patients.ResultsThe initial search for this review was conducted in January 2019, and the screening and analysis of the included apps were completed in May 2019. A total of 14 apps were included from an initial search of 245 apps. The top 3 features were alert (9/14, 64%), self-care tips (6/14, 42%), and social networking capacity (5/14, 35%). On average, the readability of the apps was a tenth-grade reading level (SD 3.06). The overall quality was 3.71 out of 5 (SD 1.37).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that currently available apps for AD/RD patients may not meet complex needs and may be challenging to use, given the possible impaired communication ability associated with AD/RD. Therefore, high-quality apps need to be developed and rigorously evaluated for feasibility and efficacy.
Highlights
Alzheimer disease and related dementias (AD/RD) are progressive neurocognitive disorders that affect approximately 50 million people worldwide, a considerable number when it is taken into consideration that the patient population is projected to increase to 152 million by 2050 [1]
The initial search of this review was conducted in January 2019
This review provided a snapshot of the availability, content, features, and quality of current health care–related apps for AD/RD patients
Summary
Alzheimer disease and related dementias (AD/RD) are progressive neurocognitive disorders that affect approximately 50 million people worldwide, a considerable number when it is taken into consideration that the patient population is projected to increase to 152 million by 2050 [1]. Caregivers’ burden can be reduced by a well-designed self-care support tool that meets the needs of the care recipients [5]. Interventions that promote self-care among AD/RD patients may reduce caregivers’ levels of burden and promote their health. Alzheimer disease and related dementias (AD/RD) are progressive neurocognitive disorders that currently affect approximately 50 million people worldwide. Methods: A systematic approach was applied to review the availability, content, features, and quality of mobile phone apps to support self-care among AD/RD patients. High-quality apps need to be developed and rigorously evaluated for feasibility and efficacy
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