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Assistive technologies for demented elderly: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

Analyze intervention studies using assistive technologies to help demented elderly with the execution of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Methods

A survey was undertaken in the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCOPUS, Scielo, Cochrane and Web of Science . The descriptors used were dementia /demência, aged /idoso, self-help devices /equipamentos de autoajuda. The methodological quality of the selected articles was analyzed by means of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) assessment tool.

Results

Four clinical trials were reviewed. The classification of the studies’ methodological quality ranged from low to moderate. The effects of the nighttime monitoring system and voice command technologies on the Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living were assessed better.

Conclusion

The application of these technological devices offers positive results to support elderly people and caregivers in performing their daily activities. The use of simple voice prompts is cheaper, easier to manage and more efficient for demented elderly to perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.ene menor costo, manejo simplificado y mayor eficiencia para realizar las Actividades Instrumentales de la Vida Diaria de los ancianos con demencia.

Aged; Dementia; Self-help devices; Activities of daily living; Health of the elderly

Resumo

Objetivo

Analisar estudos de intervenções com tecnologias assistivas, empregadas no auxílio de idosos com demência, na execução das Atividades Básicas e Instrumentais de Vida Diária.

Métodos

Realizou-se levantamento, através das bases de dados CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCOPUS, Scielo, Cochrane e Web of Science . Utilizaram-se os descritores dementia/ demência , aged/ idoso , self-help devices/ equipamentos de autoajuda . Os artigos selecionados foram submetidos à análise de qualidade metodológica, na qual foi utilizada a escala de avaliação da Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).

Resultados

Quatro ensaios clínicos foram elencados para a revisão. Os estudos apresentaram classificação de baixa a moderada qualidade metodológica. As tecnologias de sistema de monitoramento noturno e as de comando de voz apresentaram melhor avaliação em relação aos efeitos nas Atividades Básicas e Instrumentais de Vida Diária.

Conclusão

A aplicação desse aparato tecnológico fornece resultados positivos no apoio a idosos e cuidadores na execução das atividades diárias. As utilizações de comandos verbais simples possuem menor custo, manuseio simples e maior eficiência para execução de Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária de idosos com demência.

Idoso; Demência; Equipamentos de autoajuda; Atividades cotidianas; Saúde do idoso

Resumen

Objetivo

Analizar estudios de intervenciones con tecnologías de asistencia utilizadas para ayudar a ancianos con demencia, en la ejecución de las Actividades Básicas e Instrumentales de la Vida Diaria.

Métodos

Se realizó un relevamiento utilizando las bases CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCOPUS, Scielo, Cochrane y Web of Science. Se utilizaron los descriptores dementia/demência, aged/idoso, self-help devices/equipamentos de autoajuda . Artículos seleccionados sometidos a análisis de calidad metodológica, utilizando escala de evaluación de Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).

Resultados

Se incluyeron cuatro ensayos clínicos en la lista de revisión. Los estudios presentaron una clasificación de calidad metodológica de baja a moderada. Las tecnologías del sistema de monitoreo nocturno y de comando de voz presentaron mejor evaluación respecto de los efectos sobre las Actividades Básicas e Instrumentales de la Vida Diaria.

Conclusión

La aplicación de este aparato tecnológico proporciona resultados positivos en el apoyo al anciano y a los cuidadores pata ejecutar las actividades cotidianas. El uso de comandos verbales simples tiene menor costo, manejo simplificado y mayor eficiencia para realizar las Actividades Instrumentales de la Vida Diaria de los ancianos con demencia.

Ancianos; Demencia; Dispositivos de autoayuda; Actividades cotidianas; Salud del anciano

Introduction

Dementia is a process of brain cell degeneration that affects cognitive abilities. Currently, about 46.8 million people are living with this degeneration, which will double every 20 years, reaching 74.7 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050. (11. Prince M , Wimo A , Guerchet M , Al GC , Wu YT , Prina M . World Alzheimer Report 2015: The Global Impact of Dementia [ Internet]. Illinois : Alzheimer’s Disease International ; c2015 ; p. 1 - 87 . [ cited 2019 Jan 15 ]. Available from: https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2015
https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-rep...
) The global costs of dementia have increased 35% since 2010. The estimated spending amounted to US$ 818 billion in 2015 (more than one percent of the Gross Domestic Product) and about US$ 1 trillion by 2018. (22. Wimo A , Guerchet M , Ali GC , Wu YT , Prina AM , Winblad B , et al . The worldwide costs of dementia 2015 and comparisons with 2010 . Alzheimers Dement . 2017 ; 13 ( 1 ): 1 – 7 .)

Most costs of dementia are focused on care for essential functions related to the maintenance of functional capacity, which requires models of care and support for the elderly and their caregivers. (33. Price M , Comas-Herrera A , Knapp M , Guerchet M , Karagiannidou M . World Alzheimer Report 2016 Improving Healthcare for People Living with Dementia [ Internet ]. Illinois : Alzheimer’s Disease International ; c2016 . p. 1 - 140 . [ cited 2019 Jan 15 ]. Available from: https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2016
https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-rep...
)

The symptoms of dementia can influence, compromise and impede the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), considered essential in maintaining functional capacity and quality of life. ADLs include Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADLs). (44. Moraes EN . Atenção à saúde do idoso: aspectos conceituais . Brasília (DF) : Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde ; 2012 . p. 1 - 102 .,55. Brasil . Ministério da Saúde . Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde . Departamento de Atenção Básica . Envelhecimento e saúde da pessoa idosa [ Internet ]. Brasília (DF) : Ministério da Saúde ; 2007 [ citado 2017 Ago 12 ]: 1 - 192 . Disponível em: http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/abcad19.pdf .
http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoe...
)

BADLs are related to self-care (feeding, bathing, grooming, mobilizing, walking and maintaining control over one’s physiological needs); IADLs indicate the capacity to be independent (using means of transportation, manipulating medicines, using the telephone, preparing meals and taking care of finances); while AADLs are activities that are carried out independently but cannot be generalized because they involve individual social and economic conditions. (44. Moraes EN . Atenção à saúde do idoso: aspectos conceituais . Brasília (DF) : Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde ; 2012 . p. 1 - 102 .,55. Brasil . Ministério da Saúde . Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde . Departamento de Atenção Básica . Envelhecimento e saúde da pessoa idosa [ Internet ]. Brasília (DF) : Ministério da Saúde ; 2007 [ citado 2017 Ago 12 ]: 1 - 192 . Disponível em: http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/abcad19.pdf .
http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoe...
)

In this context, the importance of using actions, strategies, and technologies that can assist caregivers and the elderly in performing BADLs and IADLs is highlighted. (55. Brasil . Ministério da Saúde . Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde . Departamento de Atenção Básica . Envelhecimento e saúde da pessoa idosa [ Internet ]. Brasília (DF) : Ministério da Saúde ; 2007 [ citado 2017 Ago 12 ]: 1 - 192 . Disponível em: http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/abcad19.pdf .
http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoe...
,66. Patomella A-H , Lovarini M , Lindqvist E , Kottorp A , Nygård L . Technology use to improve everyday occupations in older persons with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment: A scoping review . Br J Occup Ther . 2018 ; 81 ( 10 ): 555 – 65 .)

Among the technologies, Assistive Technology (AT) is used to maintain or improve the functional ability of disabled persons and includes the use of devices, equipment, and processes. (77. Galvão Filho T.A. A tecnologia assistiva: de que se trata? In: Machado GJ , Sobral MN , organizadores . Conexões: educação, comunicação, inclusão e interculturalidade . Porto Alegre : Redes Editora ; 2009 . p. 207 - 35 .,88. Bersch R . Introdução à tecnologia assistiva . Porto Alegre : Assistiva Tecnologia e Educação ; 2017 . 20 p.) In addition, it has the potential to improve the quality of life, managing risks and customizing support. (99. Marciana P , De Oliveira P , Marlena L , Pagliuca F , Gomes Cezario K , César De Almeida P , et al . Amamentação: validação de tecnologia assistiva em áudio para pessoa com deficiência visual . Acta Paul Enferm . 2017 ; 30 ( 2 ): 122 – 30 .)

Studies on assistive technologies from the perspective of knowledge production are useful and necessary to promote the quality of life of elderly demented people. Thus, the objective was to analyze interventions studies that use assistive technologies to help demented elderly in the execution of BADLs and IADLs.

Methods

Systematic Literature Review (RSL), carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Systematic Review of Interventions manual, which establishes: formulation of the question and selection of inclusion criteria, search for studies, selection of studies and data collection, bias risk assessment of included studies, data analysis, presentation of results, interpretation of results and conclusions. (1010. Higgins JP , Green S , editors . Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 5.1.0. The Cochrane Collaboration [ Internet ]. 201 . [ cited 2017 Aug 13 ]. Available from: https://training.cochrane.org/handbook .
https://training.cochrane.org/handbook...
)

Formulation of the question and choice of criteria

The formulation of the question was defined through the PICO strategy (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (results). (1111. Botelho LL , Cunha CC , Macedo M . O método da revisão integrativa nos estudos organizacionais . Gestão Soc . 2011 ; 5 ( 11 ): 121 - 36 .) Thus, the study population corresponds to demented elderly (P), the intervention studied is the use of assistive technologies (I). In this study, there was no comparison between standard intervention and other interventions (C) and the expected results are the effects of the AT to support the performance of BADLs and IADLs (O). Thus, the guiding question of the study was: for demented elderly (P), which effective assistive technologies (I) were used to help in the performance of the Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (O)? The inclusion criteria were articles reporting on experimental studies, without any time or language restriction. The exclusion criteria were observational, quasi-experimental, and review studies.

Search, identification of articles, selection, and collection of data

Two researchers paired up to execute the search, evaluation, selection, characterization, and analysis of the articles. They met for consensus in case of disagreement. The information survey followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). (1212. Moher D , Liberati A , Tetzlaff J , Altman DG . The PRISMA Group . Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement . Int J Surg . 2010 ; 8 ( 5 ): 336 - 41 .) The data were collected from January to March 2018. A comprehensive survey was carried out through the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE / PubMed); Latin American and Caribbean Center for Information and Health Sciences (LILACS), SCOPUS, Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Cochrane, and Web of Science. We used the controlled and fixed descriptors present in both classifications: Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and Medical Subject Headings of US (MeSH), respectively: dementia/ demência , aged/ idoso , self-help devices/ equipamentos de autoajuda . We also used the uncontrolled descriptor “assistive technology” and the Boolean operator “AND” for the combination of terms. The search strategies performed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE / PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were: Dementia AND Aged AND “Self-help devices”; Dementia AND Aged AND “Assistive technology”. In LILACS and Scielo, the combinations were: Dementia AND Elderly AND “Self-help equipment”; Dementia AND Elderly AND “Assistive Technology”.

Bias risk assessment of included studies

The selected articles were submitted to methodological quality analysis using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool for the evaluation of clinical trials. (1313. Shiwa SR , Costa LO , Costa LC , Moseley A , Hespanhol Junior LC , Venâncio R , et al . Reproducibility of the Portuguese version of the PEDro Scale . Cad Saude Publica . 201 ; 27 ( 10 ): 2063 – 8 .) The PEDro scale consists of assisting and identifying 11 evaluation criteria (1. eligibility and origin of study participants 2. random distribution of study participants 3. secret allocation 4. similarity to starting point of the study 5. blinding of subjects 6. blinding of therapists; and 7. blinding of evaluators; 8. monitoring more than 85% of participants; 9. analysis by intention to treat; 10. intergroup statistical analysis; and 11. precision and variability measures.), the internal validity (criteria 2-9) of the randomized controlled trials and the presence of sufficient statistical information to interpret the results(criteria 10-11). The score ranges from 0 to 10 points, according to the items classified as satisfactory between criteria 2 to 11. Criterion 1 is not included as the scale does not evaluate the external validity of the clinical study. (1313. Shiwa SR , Costa LO , Costa LC , Moseley A , Hespanhol Junior LC , Venâncio R , et al . Reproducibility of the Portuguese version of the PEDro Scale . Cad Saude Publica . 201 ; 27 ( 10 ): 2063 – 8 .)

Presentation, analysis, and interpretation of results

The following data were extracted from the final sample: authors, year of publication, sample characteristics, types of AT used and outcomes relevant to the use of the BADLs and IADLs for the demented elderly. The results are presented in tables, with descriptive analysis and focus on the technologies used, characteristics and effectiveness.

Results

In figure 1 , the trajectory is displayed that was followed in the search, selection, eligibility and inclusion of the evidence related to the use of AT to support the execution of BADLs and IADLs.

Figure 1
Identification and selection flow chart of articles for systematic review.

The search in MEDLINE, via the PubMed portal, resulted in 230 articles, 197 of which were excluded, 121 did not respond to the study object, 12 were articles whose abstract was not available, 63 were duplicates and one was a book, resulting in the selection of 33 articles. After reading the full versions, 12 were withdrawn because they did not correspond to the research problem, and 20 because they were not experimental studies, resulting in a single article included in the sample. In LILACS and SciELO, searches resulted in no articles. The searches in CINAHL resulted in 82 articles, 65 of which were excluded (49 did not respond to the study object, 3 had no available abstract, 13 were repeated) and 17 were selected. After reading the full versions, all 17 articles were excluded. In Scopus, 149 articles were found, 98 of which were not suitable for the purpose of the study, four publications had no available abstract, 32 were repeated and 15 were selected for full reading. Only one was included in the sample. In the Cochrane Library, of the 11 articles found, four were excluded because they were duplicated and five because they were not related to the study theme. Two were selected for full reading, but none of the selected articles was included in the sample. In the Web Of Science database, of the 46 papers found, 10 were selected, four were repeated and four were excluded because they were not randomized experimental studies, resulting in two studies included in the sample. After completing the eligibility process, four articles were included to summarize the data, as displayed in chart 1 .

Chart 1
Studies included in SLR, distributed by sample and sample and intervention characteristics

The articles presented heterogeneity in the sample, in the methodological rigor and in the assessment of the intervention effects of the, preventing clustering. As regards the verification of methodological rigor by the PEDro scale, the articles scored as follows: A1 - 6 points, A2 - 5 points, A3 - 6 points and A4 - 6 points, being classified as low to moderate methodological quality and compromised internal validity. Regarding the sample characteristics of the articles, A1 was performed with pairs of demented elderly people and informal caregivers; in EG, the mean age was 78.45 years for the elderly and 61.35 years for the caregivers. In CG, the age of the elderly and caregivers was, respectively, 80.75 and 63.37 years. In EG, 42% of the elderly and 73% of the caregivers were female whereas, in the CG, 52% of the elderly and 85% of the caregivers were women. In relation to cognition, the elderly had moderate levels of dementia, with a mean MMSE score of 13.83 points ( Chart 2 ). In A2, the mean age in the CG was 73.95 years, the majority was female (78.58%) and the mean MMSE score was 27.75. At the same time, the mean age in the EG was 75.09 years, the majority was female (57.78%) and the mean MMSE score was 26.10. It is emphasized that the study initially included healthy elderly individuals to assess the influence of the AT on the disease evolution, ending after ten years with 225 participants with moderate cognitive impairment. (1414. Rowe MA , Kelly A , Horne C , Lane S , Campbell J , Lehman B , et al . Reducing dangerous nighttime events in persons with dementia by using a nighttime monitoring system . Alzheimers Dement . 2009 ; 5 ( 5 ): 419 – 26 .,1515. Thomas KR , Marsiske M . Verbal prompting to improve everyday cognition in MCI and unimpaired older adults . Neuropsychology . 2014 Jan ; 28 ( 1 ): 123 – 34 .) In A3, a study performed with pairs of elderly people and informal caregivers, the mean age of the demented participants and caregivers in CG was 76.38 and 58.33 years, respectively. In EG, the age of the elderly and caregivers was 81 and 59.22 years. Most caregivers were female (78%) in both groups, as were the elderly. The mean MMSE of the elderly in CG was 21.77, against 21.36 in EG, with mild to moderate dementia. (1616. Hattink BJ , Meiland FJ , Overmars-Marx T , Boer M , Ebben PW , Blanken M , et al . The electronic, personalizable Rosetta system for dementia care: exploring the user-friendliness, usefulness and impact . Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol . 2016 ; 11 ( 1 ): 61 – 71 .) The elderly in study A4 were institutionalized, with a mean age of 84.1 years in EG, the majority female (81.2%), the MMSE score 25.9. In CG, the mean age was 80.7 years, half of the participants were female (50%) and the mean MMSE score was 25.9, with and without moderate cognitive impairment. (1717. Werner C , Moustris GP , Tzafestas CS , Hauer K . User-oriented evaluation of a robotic rollator that provides navigation assistance in frail older adults with and without cognitive impairment . Gerontology . 2018 ; 64 ( 3 ): 278 – 90 .)

Chart 2
Description of interventions concerning assistive technologies, variables measured and outcomes

Discussion

The ATs have promising potential for demented elderly care, permitting advances in the care and reduction of the caregiver’s burden. (1818. Ienca M , Jotterand F , Elger B , Caon M , Pappagallo AS , Kressig RW , et al . Intelligent assistive technology for alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: a systematic review . J Alzheimers Dis . 2017 ; 56 ( 4 ): 1301 – 40 .,1919. Kramer B. Dementia caregivers in germany and their acceptance of new technologies for care: the information gap . Public Policy Aging Rep . 2014 ; 24 ( 1 ): 32 – 4 .)

The sample profile of the studies corresponds to the sociodemographic profile of the elderly from a global perspective. It is relevant to point out that two Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) included the elderly - caregiver dyad in the sample. In this sense, research indicates the importance of the caregiver’s preparation and inclusion in the evaluation and training process on the use of the AT. The inclusion of the caregiver in research involving elderly people with dementias provides benefits to the patient, caregiver, and researcher, as it grants additional value to the interventions. (2020. Ciro CA . Maximizing ADL performance to facilitate aging in place for people with dementia . Nurs Clin North Am . 2014 ; 49 ( 2 ): 157 – 69 .)

It is emphasized that ATs should be proposed in the prodromal stage of dementia, as it may help to promote independence and maximize the quality of life, being adaptable to the dementia phases. (2121. Teipel S , Babiloni C , Hoey J , Kaye J , Kirste T , Burmeister OK . Information and communication technology solutions for outdoor navigation in dementia . Alzheimers Dement . 2016 ; 12 ( 6 ): 695 – 707 .)

The home environment was used in most of the studies and the importance of applying the technologies at home is underlined. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting the potential of technologies to support the care of elderly people with dementia at home and thereby improve the caregivers’ quality of life, besides reducing care and early institutional care costs. (2222. D’Onofrio G , Sancarlo D , Ricciardi F , Panza F , Seripa D , Cavallo F , et al . Information and communication techonologies for the activities of daily living in older patients with dementia: A systematic review . J Alzheimers Dis . 2017 ; 57 ( 3 ): 927 – 35 .)

The nighttime monitoring system is a potential solution as it permits reducing the risk of falls, allows a greater rest time for the caregiver, decreases the burden and reduces the probability of institutionalization. (2323. Tchalla AE , Lachal F , Cardinaud N , Saulnier I , Rialle V , Preux PM , et al . Preventing and managing indoor falls with home-based technologies in mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients: pilot study in a community dwelling . Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord . 2013 ; 36 ( 3-4 ): 251 – 61 .) Nevertheless, studies with greater methodological rigor are suggested, as well as the enhanced measuring of nighttime events, such as injuries due to falls and nocturnal leaves. (1414. Rowe MA , Kelly A , Horne C , Lane S , Campbell J , Lehman B , et al . Reducing dangerous nighttime events in persons with dementia by using a nighttime monitoring system . Alzheimers Dement . 2009 ; 5 ( 5 ): 419 – 26 .)

Regarding the use of interventions with verbal prompts, a study emphasizes that the intervention with the greatest potential to improve the performance of daily activities in demented people is task-oriented training. (2424. Braley R , Fritz R , Van Son CR , Schmitter-Edgecombe M . Prompting technology and persons with dementia: the significance of context and communication . Gerontologist . 2019 ; 59 ( 1 ): 101 - 11) The research came with limitations though, due to the fact that the interventions with this technology are not promoted in the home environment. Also, the technology provided the verbal prompts in case the participant did not know the answer or took time to answer, but not in case of incorrect answers, characterizing a technological restriction that needs improvement. (1515. Thomas KR , Marsiske M . Verbal prompting to improve everyday cognition in MCI and unimpaired older adults . Neuropsychology . 2014 Jan ; 28 ( 1 ): 123 – 34 .)

Monitoring technologies alleviate concerns about the safety of patients in periods of caregiver absence, with the objectives of ADL monitoring, surveillance in the event of falls and the detection of changes in health conditions. (2525. Peetoom KK , Lexis MA , Joore M , Dirksen CD , De Witte LP . Literature review on monitoring technologies and their outcomes in independently living elderly people . Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol . 2015 ; 10 ( 4 ): 271 - 94 .) Hence, the study that evaluated the effects of the monitoring system demonstrated a significant reduction in the caregiver burden after the use of the AT. (2626. Chi NC , Demiris G . A systematic review of telehealth tools and interventions to support family caregivers . J Telemed Telecare . 2015 ; 21 ( 1 ): 37 - 44 .) In the study that used monitoring technologies, however, the main limitation presented was system instability and poor functioning, with several technical failures. Also, the fact was highlighted that the samples are reduced, justified by the high cost of installing the technologies and the scarce budget. (1616. Hattink BJ , Meiland FJ , Overmars-Marx T , Boer M , Ebben PW , Blanken M , et al . The electronic, personalizable Rosetta system for dementia care: exploring the user-friendliness, usefulness and impact . Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol . 2016 ; 11 ( 1 ): 61 – 71 .)

Regarding the localization systems, it is verified that the use of GPS increases the ability of the elderly to move independently, promoting a reduction of the dyad’s stress. (2727. Liu L , Miguel Cruz A , Ruptash T , Barnard S , Juzwishin D . Acceptance of global positioning system (gps) technology among dementia clients and family caregivers . J Technol Hum Serv . 2017 ; 35 ( 2 ): 99 – 119 .) Despite the caregivers’ preparation to manage the technologies, many indicate difficulty to implement them on a daily basis, mainly due to the flaws they present, which reinforces the need for system improvements. (2828. Megges H , Freiesleben SD , Jankowski N , Haas B , Peters O . Technology for home dementia care: A prototype locating system put to the test . Alzheimers Dement (N Y) . 2017 May ; 3 ( 3 ): 332 – 8 .)

Regarding the use of robotic navigation aids, the findings support the assertion that they effectively support the orientation and movement of demented people and are able to reduce the task performance time. Nevertheless, as the study included in the SLR associated the use of the robotic navigation aid with verbal direction prompts, the effectiveness of the contextual navigation prompts or not was questioned, as this was not evaluated separately in the research. (1717. Werner C , Moustris GP , Tzafestas CS , Hauer K . User-oriented evaluation of a robotic rollator that provides navigation assistance in frail older adults with and without cognitive impairment . Gerontology . 2018 ; 64 ( 3 ): 278 – 90 .)

The limitations of this study include the particularities of the method adopted, considering the limited number of experimental studies published in the databases consulted. It should be taken into account that none of the studies included describes the blinding process of the subjects, therapists, and evaluators.

Nevertheless, researchers underline the need for further research, looking for cost-effective solutions and for a more diverse audience. (2929. Lee G , Ohnuma T , Chong n , Lee SG . Walking intent-based movement control for JAIST active robotic walker . IEEE Trans Sys Man Cyber Sys . 2014 [; 44 ( 5 ): 665 - 72 .)

Conclusion

Assistive technologies can be applied to improve the quality of life of demented elderly. The application of this technological apparatus provides positive results, in the support to the elderly and their respective caregivers, in the execution of BADLs and IADLs. Given the clear aging process, the number of people with dementia, the costs involved in the care and the paramount role of nursing in the care process, in the near future, the assistive technologies will be present in the daily routine of the nursing team, concerning both their use and development. It is emphasized that nursing plays a fundamental role in the promotion, protection, and recovery of health by coordinating care plans, with an outstanding role in the implementation of AT. Evidence shows that monitoring presents satisfactory results but needs improvement. The use of verbal prompts constitutes a cheaper technology that is simple to handle and more efficient for the execution of IADLs of demented elderly. Robotic navigation devices are beneficial, but need further investment in research to assess their effectiveness. Given the lack of experimental studies with AT and their importance for demented elderly and their caregivers, the development of new research on this theme is encouraged.

Acknowledgements

To the Graduate Nursing Program at Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC) for support and to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for funding through Master’s grants for Maia JC, Sousa CR, Silva RRL, Lima RBS.

Referências

  • 1
    Prince M , Wimo A , Guerchet M , Al GC , Wu YT , Prina M . World Alzheimer Report 2015: The Global Impact of Dementia [ Internet]. Illinois : Alzheimer’s Disease International ; c2015 ; p. 1 - 87 . [ cited 2019 Jan 15 ]. Available from: https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2015
    » https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2015
  • 2
    Wimo A , Guerchet M , Ali GC , Wu YT , Prina AM , Winblad B , et al . The worldwide costs of dementia 2015 and comparisons with 2010 . Alzheimers Dement . 2017 ; 13 ( 1 ): 1 – 7 .
  • 3
    Price M , Comas-Herrera A , Knapp M , Guerchet M , Karagiannidou M . World Alzheimer Report 2016 Improving Healthcare for People Living with Dementia [ Internet ]. Illinois : Alzheimer’s Disease International ; c2016 . p. 1 - 140 . [ cited 2019 Jan 15 ]. Available from: https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2016
    » https://www.alz.co.uk/research/world-report-2016
  • 4
    Moraes EN . Atenção à saúde do idoso: aspectos conceituais . Brasília (DF) : Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde ; 2012 . p. 1 - 102 .
  • 5
    Brasil . Ministério da Saúde . Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde . Departamento de Atenção Básica . Envelhecimento e saúde da pessoa idosa [ Internet ]. Brasília (DF) : Ministério da Saúde ; 2007 [ citado 2017 Ago 12 ]: 1 - 192 . Disponível em: http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/abcad19.pdf .
    » http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/abcad19.pdf
  • 6
    Patomella A-H , Lovarini M , Lindqvist E , Kottorp A , Nygård L . Technology use to improve everyday occupations in older persons with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment: A scoping review . Br J Occup Ther . 2018 ; 81 ( 10 ): 555 – 65 .
  • 7
    Galvão Filho T.A. A tecnologia assistiva: de que se trata? In: Machado GJ , Sobral MN , organizadores . Conexões: educação, comunicação, inclusão e interculturalidade . Porto Alegre : Redes Editora ; 2009 . p. 207 - 35 .
  • 8
    Bersch R . Introdução à tecnologia assistiva . Porto Alegre : Assistiva Tecnologia e Educação ; 2017 . 20 p.
  • 9
    Marciana P , De Oliveira P , Marlena L , Pagliuca F , Gomes Cezario K , César De Almeida P , et al . Amamentação: validação de tecnologia assistiva em áudio para pessoa com deficiência visual . Acta Paul Enferm . 2017 ; 30 ( 2 ): 122 – 30 .
  • 10
    Higgins JP , Green S , editors . Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 5.1.0. The Cochrane Collaboration [ Internet ]. 201 . [ cited 2017 Aug 13 ]. Available from: https://training.cochrane.org/handbook .
    » https://training.cochrane.org/handbook
  • 11
    Botelho LL , Cunha CC , Macedo M . O método da revisão integrativa nos estudos organizacionais . Gestão Soc . 2011 ; 5 ( 11 ): 121 - 36 .
  • 12
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Nov-Dec 2018

History

  • Received
    3 Sept 2018
  • Accepted
    22 Jan 2019
Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Paulo R. Napoleão de Barros, 754, 04024-002 São Paulo - SP/Brasil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 5576 4430 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: actapaulista@unifesp.br