Cognitive care at your fingertips: A systematic review of telemedicine potential and barriers in rehabilitation for dementia.

Abstract

BackgroundDementia is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive functions that impacts everyday tasks and overall life quality, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most prevalent form. As dementia progresses, cognitive rehabilitation, often utilized in conjunction with telemedicine, offers significant support via targeted interventions that enhance autonomy and overall quality of life (QoL).ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to explore the potential and barriers of telemedicine-based cognitive stimulation and training programs for individuals with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsStudies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsychINFO, and Scopus databases conducted up to 19 February 2025. This systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO under the following number: CRD42024615619.ResultsThe studies establish that digital health interventions and telehealth approaches add to the improvement in cognitive rehabilitation among patients with dementia and MCI, by indicating striking improvements not only in cognitive functioning but also in increased support for caregivers. The higher adherence and satisfaction rates with such interventions can be attributed to telemedicine itself and newer technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and transcranial direct current stimulation, which can provide options for personalized and accessible care in neurodegenerative disease management.ConclusionsTelemedicine-based cognitive rehabilitation in dementia patients, not only achieves improved cognitive functioning but also a better QoL and reduced caregiver burden. Further studies are needed to ensure equal implementation and long-term sustainability of these interventions, possibly with the inclusion of newer technologies such as VR and neuromodulation.