Systematic Review of Smartphone and Tablet Use by Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment
Innovation in Aging
Wilson, S. A., Byrne, P., et al. (2022).
Innovation in Aging, 6(2), 1-19.
This systematic review explores the impact of the use of tablet and mobile-based external cognitive supports for older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Findings relevant to adults with confirmed neurological diagnoses are reported within this article summary.
University of Liverpool Institute of Population Health (United Kingdom)
From 2010 to June 2021
Any study design
28
<div>Findings from a small number of studies supported the use of tablet and mobile-based external cognitive supports to improve memory in older adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) or dementia. Additional findings included:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Successful intervention outcomes may be associated with device familiarity and prior exposure to technology.</li>
<li>A small number of these studies reported stable or improved mood, quality of life, and autonomy, and reduced fear, frustration, stress, and caregiver burden.</li>
</ul>
<div>Due to an overall paucity of evidence, variable study quality, and small sample sizes, there is insufficient evidence to form any meaningful conclusions about the efficacy of these supports for older individuals with cognitive deficits secondary to various etiologies.</div>
</div>
<div>Clients and their care partners most often endorsed the following barriers for use of tablet and mobile-based external cognitive supports:</div>
<ul>
<li>difficulty in using the device due to cognitive, motor, or sensory deficit;</li>
<li>a lack of knowledge about and familiarity with the device;</li>
<li>lack of provided instruction about how to use the device; and</li>
<li>old age and fear/anxiety regarding technology use.</li>
</ul>
<div>Common facilitators were prior technological exposure/experience, perceived usefulness of device, ease of use and portability of the device, multifunctionality, and perceived lack of stigmatization for use of these supports. For a full list of reported barriers and facilitators, see Table 2 of this review (p. 13).</div>
