Technological solutions for older people with Alzheimer’s disease: Review

Petra Maresova, Signe Tomsone, Petre Lameski, Joana Madureira, Ana Mendes, Eftim Zdravevski, Ivan Chorbev, Vladimir Trajkovik, Moriah Ellen, Kasper Rodil

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the nineties, numerous studies began to highlight the problem of the increasing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in developed countries, especially in the context of demographic progress. At the same time, the 21st century is typical of the development of advanced technologies that penetrate all areas of human life. Digital devices, sensors, and intelligent applications are tools that can help seniors and allow better communication and control of their caregivers. The aim of the paper is to provide an up-to-date summary of the use of technological solutions for improving health and safety for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Firstly, the problems and needs of senior citizens with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their caregivers are specified. Secondly, a scoping review is performed regarding the technological solutions suggested to assist this specific group of patients. Works obtained from the following libraries are used in this scoping review: Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, ACM and IEEE Xplore. Four independent reviewers screened the identified records and selected relevant articles which were published in the period from 2007 to 2018. A total of 6,705 publications were selected. In all, 128 full papers were screened. Results obtained from the relevant studies were furthermore divided into the following categories according to the type and use of technologies: devices, processing, and activity recognition. The leading technological solution in the category of devices are wearables and ambient non-invasive sensors. The introduction and utilization of these technologies, however, bring about challenges in acceptability, durability, ease of use, communication, and power requirements. Furthermore, it needs to be pointed out that these technological solutions should be based on open standards.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)975-983
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research
Volume15
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Chronic diseases
  • Senior citizens
  • Solution
  • Technology
  • Wearable sensors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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