By 2050, it is projected that 150 million people worldwide will live with dementia. Dementia is characterized by cognitive impairment, which is associated with declining functioning ability and increasing dependence on caregivers. Technology has been identified as an area that can assist and support both people with dementia and their caregivers. It can be in a form of product or technology-based service to alleviate the symptoms, maintain independence, keep safe, and stay active.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of evidence informed us that people with dementia were adversely affected by a lack of cognitive stimulation, decreased social interactions, and disruption of routines. Hence, technology has become an indispensable strategy. For example, video-calling software can facilitate social connectedness during the lockdown, which is already very difficult for people with dementia; video gameplay has been found associated with positive emotional states. Similarly, informal caregivers reported that a convenient tablet technology provided more enjoyable and meaningful interaction with their relatives, which supported their relationship.
Non-pharmacological interventions are always encouraged as the first-line treatment for people with dementia. Technology is progressively more integrated into the intervention, such as virtual reality platforms, has been used in cognitive interventions to enhance motivation and reduce the demand for health care professionals. Other technological advances, such as motion detectors, are cost-effective in measuring the disease or symptoms. It is because wearable devices can continuously monitor physiological measures over extended periods, which objectively inform practitioners of their health status. As a result, early and individualized treatment can be followed.
Technology has been increasingly integrated into dementia care, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The works presented in this Research Topic highlight the latest important advancements in technology integrated into dementia care.
The goal of this Research Topic is to present the latest development in technology for facilitating the care of people with dementia and to discuss the adaptation of the technological advancements in real settings. We welcome original research articles range from product evaluation, pilot studies, clinical trials, to implementation research, in additional to reviews and discussion papers around the topic. We anticipate that this Research Topic will be informative to developers, clinicians, and practitioners.
Themes may include, but are not limited to:
• Innovative technology for dementia symptom management
• Digital cognitive interventions for dementia
• Technological applications for relieving care stress of caregivers
• Monitoring of symptoms and intervention tracking using wearable sensors
• Intelligent and personalized intervention
• Implementation of technological products or services in real settings
By 2050, it is projected that 150 million people worldwide will live with dementia. Dementia is characterized by cognitive impairment, which is associated with declining functioning ability and increasing dependence on caregivers. Technology has been identified as an area that can assist and support both people with dementia and their caregivers. It can be in a form of product or technology-based service to alleviate the symptoms, maintain independence, keep safe, and stay active.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of evidence informed us that people with dementia were adversely affected by a lack of cognitive stimulation, decreased social interactions, and disruption of routines. Hence, technology has become an indispensable strategy. For example, video-calling software can facilitate social connectedness during the lockdown, which is already very difficult for people with dementia; video gameplay has been found associated with positive emotional states. Similarly, informal caregivers reported that a convenient tablet technology provided more enjoyable and meaningful interaction with their relatives, which supported their relationship.
Non-pharmacological interventions are always encouraged as the first-line treatment for people with dementia. Technology is progressively more integrated into the intervention, such as virtual reality platforms, has been used in cognitive interventions to enhance motivation and reduce the demand for health care professionals. Other technological advances, such as motion detectors, are cost-effective in measuring the disease or symptoms. It is because wearable devices can continuously monitor physiological measures over extended periods, which objectively inform practitioners of their health status. As a result, early and individualized treatment can be followed.
Technology has been increasingly integrated into dementia care, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The works presented in this Research Topic highlight the latest important advancements in technology integrated into dementia care.
The goal of this Research Topic is to present the latest development in technology for facilitating the care of people with dementia and to discuss the adaptation of the technological advancements in real settings. We welcome original research articles range from product evaluation, pilot studies, clinical trials, to implementation research, in additional to reviews and discussion papers around the topic. We anticipate that this Research Topic will be informative to developers, clinicians, and practitioners.
Themes may include, but are not limited to:
• Innovative technology for dementia symptom management
• Digital cognitive interventions for dementia
• Technological applications for relieving care stress of caregivers
• Monitoring of symptoms and intervention tracking using wearable sensors
• Intelligent and personalized intervention
• Implementation of technological products or services in real settings
