The Effect of Rehabilitation Using Digital Health on People With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates previous reports confirming the effect of rehabilitation using digital health on cognitive function, depression, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and quality of life in people with dementia. Methods: Fifteen randomized controlled trials were selected among studies from January 2010 to May 2022. The quality of the published literature was assessed using Pedro scale. Additionally, statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.2.0, and publication bias was investigated. Results: The average Pedro scale score was 6.4 points. Of the 15 studies, six used computerized cognitive rehabilitation, five used virtual reality intervention, two used telerehabilitation, one used digital reminiscence and one was robot intervention. This meta-analysis revealed medium effects on cognitive function (0.30, p = 0.01) and depression (-0.71, p < 0.0001) in people with dementia that were statistically significant. However, there were no statistically significant effects on ADL (0.41, p = 0.26), IADL (0.20, p = 0 .3 4), or quality of l ife (0.3 1, p = 0.11). Conclusion: Digital health rehabilitation improves cognitive function and depression in individuals with dementia. Therefore, interventions using digital health will be useful for people with dementia, reduced cognitive function, and depressive symptoms.