Smartphone use by people with dementia: An exploratory survey

Introduction

Digital technologies are increasingly used in the delivery of health and social care, and by the public, to foster a decentralised approach to healthcare provision and encourage self-management. If new technologies and related innovations are to support people with dementia, it is important to understand the views and needs of people with dementia alongside those of their carers, but this is an under-researched area. This study focuses on how smartphones are used by people with dementia and their carers.

Objectives

To undertake a national survey of people with dementia and their carers to explore their experiences and opinions relating to the use of smartphones by people with dementia.

Study design

We conducted a cross-sectional survey (12 questions) with participants recruited via two UK-based dementia research registries. Descriptive and inferential statistics assessed smartphone ownership, usage patterns, and challenges.

Results

There were 719 respondents (276 people with dementia, 443 carers). Amongst smartphone owners (47.7 %), only 39.4 % used these devices for dementia management: 89 people with dementia and 19 carers (reporting for people with dementia), mainly for memory support. Overall, 52.8 % used smartphones for safety and independence, primarily specifically for communication (128 people with dementia, 44 carers). Key barriers included setup difficulty (people with dementia) and complexity concerns (non-owners), with moderate concerns over fraud and theft.

Conclusion

Smartphones are underused in dementia care. Improving usability, nuanced smartphone functionality (and app co-design), and enhancing accessibility are essential to reducing digital exclusion and improving care engagement.