Purpose
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effects of mobile health applications in older adults with dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and to quantify the effect size of these interventions through meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, with a total of seven databases searched on April 18, 2023. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tools. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g within a random effects model, and subgroup analyses were also performed.
Results
A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Intervention groups exhibited a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function (Hedges’ g=0.33, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.09~0.56, p=.007). Subgroup analyses revealed that older adults with MCI (Hedges’ g=0.41, 95% CI=0.12~0.69, p=.006) and interventions lasting more than 4 weeks (Hedges’ g=0.47, 95% CI=0.09~0.85, p=.016) demonstrated a significant cognitive improvement.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that mobile health applications may represent a suitable approach for improving cognitive function in older adults with MCI, emphasizing the need for at least a four-week intervention. These findings underscore the potential of mobile health interventions as a practical option for cognitive improvement in the early stages of cognitive decline.