Towards the therapeutic use of information and communication technology in reminiscence work for people with dementia: a systematic review

Abstract

This article reviews key issues in relation to reminiscence work with people with dementia, and presents the findings of a systematic review of original studies on information and communication technology reminiscence systems and dementia published since 2000. Eleven studies were included in the review; most studies report preliminary or pilot work, with sample sizes ranging from one to 23. The feasibility of these systems is now well-established. Most systems comprise primarily personalised biographical materials, and these could be seen as a replacement for a life story book, which could be produced following a life review process. A few systems comprise more general material, and would lend themselves as memory triggers to enhancing conversation in small groups, or in pairs with care workers. Current reminiscence work with people with dementia is essentially interpersonal and social. The development of these systems offers some opportunity to explore the potential usefulness of private reminiscence work.