With global aging, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is rising, posing a public health challenge. By 2050, the WHO estimates that over 150 million people will live with dementia, most of them older adults. These conditions impair cognitive functioning and quality of life, burdening families and society. Although no cure exists, early non-pharmacological interventions may help delay decline and support daily functioning. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of internet- and mobile-based interventions on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with MCI or dementia. A review was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL, identifying 12,579 records. After removing 4,564 duplicates, 8,015 records were screened. Thirty-eight articles were retrieved for full-text assessment, and 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review was registered in PROSPERO and followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB2 for RCTs and MINORS for non-randomized studies. Data were narratively synthesized. Twenty-four studies indicated that digital interventions significantly improve cognitive outcomes, including MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-Cog. Benefits were particularly evident in memory, language, executive function, and social engagement. Subgroup findings suggest that multidomain interventions and personalized approaches demonstrate stronger effects. Adherence rates were high (76–100%), with no significant adverse effects reported. Digital health interventions show promising benefits for cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with MCI or dementia. Future research should focus on personalized interventions, longer follow-up periods, and larger randomized trials to strengthen the clinical and policy implications.

Authors:
Xin Guan, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Xiaofeng Zhou, Zhejiang University, China
Pengpeng Cai, Trinity College Dublin, China
Xuhong Li, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Zhou Xiaofeng, holds the title of Senior Social Worker and is currently a doctoral candidate in Social Work at Zhejiang University. She serves as a faculty member of the Social Work Department at Guangzhou Xinhua University.

Ms. Guan is a PhD candidate in Social Work at Hong Kong Baptist University. Her research focuses on mental health, elderly care, digital inclusion, and how technology enhances social work interventions for vulnerable groups.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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