The use of digital technologies by people with mild-to-moderate dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A positive technology perspective

Talbot, Catherine V. and Briggs, Pamela (2022) The use of digital technologies by people with mild-to-moderate dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A positive technology perspective. Dementia, 21 (4). pp. 1363-1380. ISSN 1471-3012

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012221079477

Abstract

A growing body of research has shown that people with dementia are using digital technologies to enhance lived experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new digital opportunities and challenges and so provides a unique opportunity to understand how people with dementia have adapted to this new digital landscape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 people with dementia and analysed thematically. We generated five themes, showing how participants used digital means to combat the stresses of the pandemic by facilitating social connection, self-actualisation, enhanced well-being and by assisting with activities of daily life. These technologies helped to reduce isolation, provide access to support groups, create opportunities for cognitive stimulation and self-development, and engendered a sense of identity at a time of perceived loss. Despite these benefits, participants also reported challenges regarding cognitive fatigue and usability issues. We recommend that training on how to use digital technologies is co-produced with people with dementia and designers engage with the voices of people with dementia throughout the design process. In turn, this could promote the social connectedness, well-being and self-worth of people with dementia.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding Information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded Centre for Digital Citizens [grant number EP/T022582/1].
Uncontrolled Keywords: Alzheimer, social media, online communities, social inclusion, support
Subjects: C800 Psychology
J900 Others in Technology
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User: John Coen
Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2022 09:25
Last Modified: 27 May 2022 07:52
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/48894

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