Technology-assisted home support of community-dwelling older adults living with dementia and their family caregivers: A ten-year systematic review

Background: Dementia represents a primary global public health concern. Gerontechnology can support community-dwelling older adults living with dementia and their family caregivers to age in place. Research Aim: The current systematic review of the literature aims to provide a comprehensive description of technologies designed and tested to assist community-dwelling older adults living with dementia to do so. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in five different databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, AgeLine, and Web of Science) and validated by two independent librarians. Using COVIDENCE software, two independent reviewers screened records from 2012 to 2022, available in English, French, and Spanish. Results: There were 1563 references published. After removing the duplicates, 877 titles and abstracts were screened and the full text of 132 studies was assessed for eligibility, with only 20 records meeting inclusion criteria. Conclusion: The technologies identified have overlapping functionalities including: a) behavioral monitoring, b) health monitoring, c) caregiver education, d) communication, e) tracking devices, and e) reminders, emergency warnings, and solutions for social isolation and daily activities support. We present a theoretical model to conceptualize gerontechnology use in people living with dementia and their family caregivers and provide recommendations for clinical practice, research, technological development, and public policy to foster the development and implementation of gerontechnology in the dementia continuum.