ĭue to the advancements in computer technology in recent years, a variety of apps may offer new activity options for elders with dementia in a convenient manner. Research has shown that engagement in daily meaningful activities can fill unoccupied time, increase engagement in cognitive tasks, elicit positive emotional affect, and significantly decrease behavioral symptoms among elders with dementia. These symptoms are very challenging and difficult to manage for caregivers and healthcare teams. Approximately 39% of community-dwelling elders with dementia and 78% of nursing home residents exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms. In particular, evidence has shown that an excessive amount of unoccupied time leads to behavioral symptoms such as apathy, restlessness, irritability, and aggression among elders with dementia. Low levels of activity engagement contribute to adverse behavioral symptoms, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor quality of life in elders with dementia. Individuals’ variability in cognitive and functional abilities necessitates a person-centered approach in designing and selecting games and activities for apps in order to increase engagement and promote positive experiences in the elders.Ī day in the life of an elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia is often filled with boredom and excessive idle time. A few apps are designed specifically for the population. A high-level cognitive and physical ability such as eye-hand coordinated motor ability is often required to play the majority of the game apps. This review found that the activities of the selected apps included games, simple watching and viewing, music and sounds, memory training, learning and information, and social interaction starters. A descriptive content analysis was conducted using a coding scheme on the characteristics of tablet apps activity and the requirements of functional abilities of the users. Using the keywords–”app,” “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia”–a sample of 83 apps was selected from the iTunes Store, Google, and discussion boards of Apple Support Communities. The purpose of this review article was to describe the current state of tablet apps with which elders with Alzheimer’s disease and a related form of dementia may engage as users. Caregivers search for apps that offer meaningful and enjoyable activities that would simultaneously enhance the preserved cognitive and functional abilities of those under their care.
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