Intelligent assistive technology for people with dementia: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to synthesize evidence from existing literature on the effectiveness of intelligent assistive technology (IAT) in dementia care, focusing on its impact on the quality of life for people with dementia. Studies were retrieved from seven academic databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Full Text, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science, covering data from inception to February 21, 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (version 2). A total of 12 studies, involving 732 individuals with mild to severe dementia, were included. The pooled standardized mean difference was calculated using a random-effects model, and forest plots were generated for visual representation. The analysis indicated that IATs significantly reduced agitation. However, their effects on depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and overall quality of life require further exploration. This review highlights the positive impact of IATs on reducing agitation in dementia care, while also pointing out the inconclusive effects on other critical outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of user-centered design and personalized approaches to enhance engagement and optimize long-term benefits for individuals with dementia.