What can low and high technologies do for late-life mental disorders?
Study Goal
To review the latest research on the use of bright-light therapy in managing symptoms associated with depression.
Results Summary
Bright-light therapy was found to be effective in managing symptoms associated with depression, though the abstract does not provide specific details on the extent of its efficacy.
Population
Individuals with mood disorders, particularly depression.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Telepsychiatry | decrease | symptoms associated with depression | - | - | were used in managing symptoms | #1 |
internet-delivered therapy programs | decrease | symptoms associated with depression | - | - | were used in managing symptoms | #2 |
bright-light therapy | decrease | symptoms associated with depression | - | - | were used in managing symptoms | #3 |
multisensory therapy | increase | - | psychosis | - | showed some benefits | #4 |
reminiscence | increase | - | psychosis | - | showed some benefits | #5 |
virtual cognitive stimulation | increase | - | psychosis | - | showed some benefits | #6 |
Navigation aids | increase | independence | normally ageing and mildly cognitively impaired | - | assisted in maintaining independence | #7 |
computerized diaries | increase | independence | normally ageing and mildly cognitively impaired | - | assisted in maintaining independence | #8 |
cognitive stimulation | no change | benefits | - | - | benefits are yet to be consistently established | #9 |
dementia technology | decrease | behavioural and psychological symptoms | dementia | - | Benefits included reductions | #10 |
dementia technology | decrease | carer burden | dementia | - | Benefits included reductions | #11 |
dementia technology | increase | independence | dementia | - | Benefits included increased | #12 |
dementia technology | increase | task engagement | dementia | - | Benefits included increased | #13 |
dementia technology | increase | safety | dementia | - | Benefits included increased | #14 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To identify and review the latest research in the use of low and high technology in the areas of mood disorders, psychosis, normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. RECENT FINDINGS: Technology use varied in type and extent of use across the different areas that have been reviewed. Telepsychiatry, internet-delivered therapy programs and bright-light therapy were used in managing symptoms associated with depression. In psychosis, multisensory therapy, reminiscence and virtual cognitive stimulation showed some benefits. Navigation aids and computerized diaries assisted in maintaining independence in the normally ageing and mildly cognitively impaired, although the benefits of cognitive stimulation are yet to be consistently established. By far, dementia technology received the most research attention. Benefits in this population included reductions in behavioural and psychological symptoms and carer burden and increased independence, task engagement and safety. SUMMARY: Research in the use of low and high technology in late-life mental disorders continues to evolve in its scope and innovation. To progress the accessibility and acceptability of technology, involvement of stakeholders and users in the design and application, as well as examination of cost-effectiveness and robust methodologically designed studies are necessary.