Assistive technology and people with dementia

Abstract

The use of the term ‘technology’ in relation to dementia care provokes conflicting reactions. For some, ‘technology is a saviour, the way to paradise; others are deeply suspicious of technology and scrutinize its proponents carefully for any tell-tale marks of the Beast’. These conflicting reactions may be attributed to the confusion surrounding the term ‘technology’, the lack of awareness at all levels of the potential of technology to assist people with dementia, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of technology.