Amount and type of everyday technology use over time in older adults with cognitive impairment
Sammanfattning
Objectives: This two-year study examined everyday technology (ET) use in older adults with
mild cognitive impairment (MCI) testing five predefined theoretical assumptions regarding factors
potentially influencing the amount of ET used in everyday life. Methods: Data from 37 participants
with MCI were collected at inclusion, six, 12, and 24 months, on the type and amount of ET used and
how difficult this was, activity involvement, and cognitive and diagnostic status. These variables
were, together with age group (55–64, 65–74, or 75–84 years) and educational level, analysed in a
mixed-linear-effect model. Results: A significant decrease in the overall amount of ET used was found
over time, but the number of users of specific ETs both decreased and increased. Increasing
perceived difficulty in ET use, less activity involvement, decreasing cognitive status, and belonging
to the oldest age group significantly decreased ET use. Two years after inclusion 42% of the
participants had converted to dementia, but neither change in diagnostic status nor length of
education contributed significantly to the predictive model. Conclusion: Over time, a decreasing use
of ET was shown in this sample with MCI. This process was influenced by several aspects important
to consider in occupational therapy intervention planning.