Assistive technology for people with dementia: an overview and bibliometric study

Background: This study presents an overview of recent research activities in assistive technology (AT) for people with dementia. Bibliometric studies are used to explore breadth and depth of different research areas, yet this method has not yet been fully utilised in AT research for people with dementia.

Methods: The bibliometric method was used for collecting studies related to AT. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, the AT studies with a focus on people with dementia are considered.

Study Scope: The study is based on factors such as number of publications, citations per paper, collaborative research output, P-Index, major research and application areas and national dementia strategies.

Data Collection: Data were collected from 2000 to 2014 in AT research. The top 10 countries are selected based on their research outputs.

Results: USA emerged as the leading contributor with 503 publications and an annual growth rate of 16%, followed by UK with 399 publications and growth rate of 22%. Germany with 101 publications is on the 6th place, but it has a higher citation rate 16.43% as compared to USA (13.34%). Although all 10 countries show good collaborative research output, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands emerge as top collaborative research contributors with high percentages (84%, 84% and 79%). All the top 10 countries, except Canada, Germany and Spain, have national dementia strategies in place.

Conclusion: The overall analysis shows that USA and UK are working extensively in AT research for people with dementia. Both these countries also have well established national dementia strategies.