Mobile phone apps' support for people with mild dementia: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia is a general term for various disorders characterized by loss of at least one cognitive domain. People living with mild dementia are faced with different difficulties in their daily life activities. Modern technologies, such as mobile phone apps - often called mHealth apps - can alleviate their difficulties. This paper aimed to systematically search, analyse, and synthesize mobile phone apps designed to support people living with mild dementia in daily activities in two mobile stores: Apple App and Google Play Store. Methods: A search was conducted in May 2019 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Results were analysed and displayed as tables and graphs. Results were synthesized using an inductive coding approach from 14 components of daily life activities for categorized nursing activities. Mobile phone apps were assessed for quality using the System Usability Scale. Results: A total of 15 of 356 mobile phone apps were identified, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inductive coding analysis identified five major themes: multi-component daily life activities, communication and feelings, recreation, eating and drinking, and movement. Most identified mobile phone apps (73%) were not mentioned in the scientific literature. Discussion: Mobile phone apps for people living with mild dementia are mainly focused on providing information and maintaining communication skills and life activities. To a lesser extent, the apps focus on solving the problems and challenges people living with mild dementia face due to their condition. Conclusion: Many mobile phone apps are available in the app store to support people living with mild dementia, yet only a few are focused on daily life challenges. Most of the available apps were not evaluated nor assessed for quality.