Scoping review: the empowerment of Alzheimer’s Disease caregivers with mHealth applications

TLDR

Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative condition that increasingly burdens caregivers as patients become more dependent, and mobile health technologies offer potential support. This study reviews the academic literature on mobile health applications designed to assist caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Using a PRISMA‑guided scoping review, the authors searched five electronic databases from 2014 to 2021, identified 12 relevant articles, and categorized app features into six themes: tracking, task management, monitoring, mental support, education, and communication. The review found that existing mHealth solutions for Alzheimer’s caregivers are insufficient, highlighting a gap for industry, government, and academia to address.

Abstract

Abstract Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative chronic diseases. As it progresses, patients become increasingly dependent, and their caregivers are burdened with the increasing demand for managing their care. Mobile health (mHealth) technology, such as smartphone applications, can support the need of these caregivers. This paper examines the published academic literature of mHealth applications that support the caregivers of AD patients. Following the PRISMA for scoping reviews, we searched published literature in five electronic databases between January 2014 and January 2021. Twelve articles were included in the final review. Six themes emerged based on the functionalities provided by the reviewed applications for caregivers. They are tracking, task management, monitoring, caregiver mental support, education, and caregiver communication platform. The review revealed that mHealth applications for AD patients’ caregivers are inadequate. There is an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to fill the unmet need of these caregiver.