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Interactive AI Technology for Dementia Caregivers: Needs and Implementation Evidence
Fei Sun, Lin Hong Jiang, Xiayu Summer Chen, Yali Feng. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 2025-02-25
Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies
The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) places growing strains on family caregivers. This study employs a mixed-method approach to investigate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting ADRD caregivers, guided by a conceptual framework of caregiver needs, AI capabilities, implementation factors, and outcomes. We analyzed qualitative data from interviews with Mexican American caregivers (n = 24) and focus groups with rural dementia caregivers (n = 31), alongside a systematic review of 20 studies on interactive AI in dementia care. Our analyses of qualitative data findings revealed a demand for interactive agile AI solutions emphasizing emotional and social support. The systematic review highlighted diverse AI applications, their benefits, and challenges such as tech literacy and cultural considerations. By combining these methods, we provided a comprehensive view of caregiver needs and AI technology’s current state and identified gaps between requirements and existing solutions. The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver engagement in AI design, advocating for innovative, culturally sensitive approaches to support diverse caregiver groups.
Key findings
- Our analyses of qualitative data findings revealed a demand for interactive agile AI solutions emphasizing emotional and social support.
Why it matters
This study looked at what caregivers want from AI tools and reviewed existing AI applications for dementia care. It found a gap between what caregivers need, such as emotional and social support, and what current AI solutions offer.
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Study details
- Study designsystematic review
- Participants24
- Evidence strengthHigh
How this study scored 53/100
Published in a peer-reviewed journal, and it is a systematic review of all the studies on the question. Scored zero for effect reported because the record does not state it.
| Component | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journal tier | 7 / 10 | Tier 3 — peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Technology in Human Services) |
| Journal's citation record | 0 / 4 | Journal of Technology in Human Services: journal h-index 51 (OpenAlex, 2026-10-29) |
| Study design | 12 / 12 | A systematic review of all the studies on the question |
| Strength of evidence | 5 / 5 | Rated “high” in our summary |
| Peer-review validation | 10 / 10 | Peer-reviewed. Published as an article in a named peer-reviewed journal. |
| How recent | 4 / 5 | 2025 — within 3 year(s) of the newest study here |
| Sample size | 1 / 4 | 24 participants |
| Effect reported | 0 / 3 | No effect size reported — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Studied in people | 3 / 3 | Studied in people (participant count stated) |
| Randomised / blinded | 0 / 2 | A review of other studies — randomisation is not credited here |
| Times cited | 2 / 7 | Cited 5 times (OpenAlex, 2026-10-10) |
| Citations per year | 1 / 5 | 1.7 citations a year over 3 year(s) since 2025 |
| Impact for its field and year | 3 / 6 | Cited 3.2× the average for papers of its field and year (OpenAlex FWCI) |
| Cited by studies here | 1 / 6 | Cited by 1 other studies in this library |
| Still being cited | 1 / 4 | Cited 5 times in 2024–2026 (2026 still in progress; OpenAlex) |
| Senior author's track record | 0 / 4 | Last-listed author Yali Feng: h-index 4 (OpenAlex, whole career) |
| Institution's track record | 1 / 3 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: institution h-index 1,439 (OpenAlex) |
| Multi-centre collaboration | 1 / 3 | OpenAlex lists 3 institution(s) in 1 country |
| Indexed in PubMed | 1 / 2 | Not in PubMed, but has a DOI |
| Free to read | 0 / 2 | Behind a paywall — scores zero |
| Total | 53 / 100 | — |
What each of these 20 components measures, and what this score is not →
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Cite this study APA, Vancouver, BibTeX · download .bib or .ris
Built from the record alzhub holds for this paper, not looked up. Volume, issue and page numbers are not held in the record. Check the citation against the original before you use it.
APA 7th
Sun, F., Jiang, L. H., Chen, X. S., & Feng, Y. (2025). Interactive AI Technology for Dementia Caregivers: Needs and Implementation Evidence. Journal of Technology in Human Services. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2025.2460156
Vancouver
Sun F, Jiang LH, Chen XS, Feng Y. Interactive AI Technology for Dementia Caregivers: Needs and Implementation Evidence. Journal of Technology in Human Services. 2025. doi:10.1080/15228835.2025.2460156.
BibTeX
@article{sun2025-b7606922,
author = {Sun, Fei and Jiang, Lin Hong and Chen, Xiayu Summer and Feng, Yali},
title = {{Interactive AI Technology for Dementia Caregivers: Needs and Implementation Evidence}},
journal = {Journal of Technology in Human Services},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.1080/15228835.2025.2460156},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2025.2460156}
}
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