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Review

Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature

by
Davide Maria Cammisuli
1,
Gabriele Cipriani
2 and
Gianluca Castelnuovo
1,3,*
1
Department of Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy
2
Neurology Division, Versilia Hospital, 55049 Lido di Camaiore, Italy
3
Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Verbania, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122
Submission received: 21 January 2022 / Revised: 3 March 2022 / Accepted: 4 March 2022 / Published: 7 March 2022

Abstract

In people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD), there is a need for specific tools for the timely diagnosis, management, and treatment of symptoms. New technological solutions, including digital devices, application programs (apps), sensors and virtual reality, represent promising possibilities for objective and reliable assessment, monitoring and intervention strategies in this field. Our structured review presents an up-to-date summary of the technological solutions for the (i) diagnosis, (ii) management and (iii) treatment of AD-related symptoms. To this end, we searched electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for studies published over the last 10 years. Two authors of the review extracted data of interest. A total of eight manuscripts were included. In the last decade, a series of technological solutions across AD stages have been proposed. These include: (i) innovative strategies for the early detection of deficits in finger dexterity, visuo-spatial abilities (including spatial navigation), divided attention and instrumental autonomy; (ii) tools to activate the patient’s responsiveness in terms of alertness and mood improvement; and (iii) useful interventions for retrieving memories, increasing body movements and improving spatial cognition. Methodological limitations, mainly pertaining to the paucity of randomized controlled trials and comprehensive assessments, were observed. Advances in technology currently provide the potential for designing innovative methods for evaluating, controlling and handling AD-related symptoms. The co-creation of technological solutions with all stakeholders represents the best way to design effective strategies for PwAD.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; mental health technology; digital devices; applications; sensors; virtual reality; empowerment Alzheimer’s disease; mental health technology; digital devices; applications; sensors; virtual reality; empowerment

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Cammisuli, D.M.; Cipriani, G.; Castelnuovo, G. Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122

AMA Style

Cammisuli DM, Cipriani G, Castelnuovo G. Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(5):3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cammisuli, Davide Maria, Gabriele Cipriani, and Gianluca Castelnuovo. 2022. "Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 5: 3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122

APA Style

Cammisuli, D. M., Cipriani, G., & Castelnuovo, G. (2022). Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122

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