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Engaging Older Adults With Neurocognitive Disorders in Digital Health Technologies: Scoping Review
Sié Mathieu Aymar Romaric Da1,2, Maxime Sasseville1,2, Marie-Soleil Hardy1,2
1Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 1426, 1050, Medicine Avenue, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
JMIR Human Factors
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Engagement with digital health tools for older adults with neurocognitive disorders is poorly understood. This review found a lack of standardized engagement measures, highlighting the need for tailored tools to optimize digital health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Digital Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Population aging increases neurocognitive disorder prevalence in adults 65+.
- Digital health technologies show promise for cognitive support in older adults.
- User engagement is critical for digital health effectiveness but is understudied in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe conceptualizations and measurements of digital health engagement in older adults with neurocognitive disorders.
- To examine the link between engagement and digital health intervention outcomes.
- To identify factors influencing engagement in this population.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and PRISMA-ScR checklist.
- Comprehensive database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar) without date restrictions.
- Inclusion of empirical studies on adults 65+ with neurocognitive disorders using digital health technologies.
Main Results:
- Only 2 studies met inclusion criteria, examining cognitive stimulation and reminiscence applications.
- No validated instruments were used to measure engagement; observable indicators were reported.
- Facilitating factors included support and personalization; hindering factors included cognitive issues and technical complexity.
Conclusions:
- A significant literature gap exists in conceptualizing and measuring digital health engagement in older adults with neurocognitive disorders.
- There is a critical need for multidimensional, context-sensitive engagement measurement tools.
- Developing tailored tools is essential for optimizing digital health interventions for this population.
