Technology-Based Mental Health Interventions in Dementia Care: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize current evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions in improving the mental health of people with dementia (PWD) and their caregivers.

Method: Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles from January 2013 to September 2023. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and a third settled disagreements. At least two reviewers completed full-text reviews and reached consensus through discussion. Three reviewers abstracted the data. At least two reviewers conducted quality appraisals, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer.

Results: Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests digital health interventions improve caregivers' burden, depression, stress, quality of life, anxiety, coping, and well-being. No significant changes were found in caregivers' mood or mental health outcomes for PWD.

Conclusion: Digital mental health interventions supporting PWD and caregivers are evolving. Further research should use more diverse and larger samples. Enhancing nurse participation in digital mental health design, implementation, and evaluation is crucial. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51(4), 19-28.].